Judge orders release of Prince Harry’s visa records amid controversy over drug use admissions

A U.S. federal judge has ruled that portions of Prince Harry’s visa records must be made public by March 18, 2025. The decision follows a lawsuit filed by the Heritage Foundation against the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which previously denied a request for access to the documents. The conservative think tank argues that the records could reveal whether the Duke of Sussex misrepresented his past drug use on his U.S. immigration application.

Judge Carl Nichols, who issued the ruling, approved DHS’s proposed redactions, stating they were appropriate. The case stems from allegations by the Heritage Foundation that Prince Harry may have misrepresented his past drug use on his visa application, a claim based on his own admissions in his memoir Spare and his Netflix documentary, where he discussed using cannabis, cocaine, and psychedelic substances.

If he answered “no” to drug-related questions on his visa application despite his public admissions, critics argue it could raise legal questions about whether his application was processed correctly. However, DHS has defended its position, stating that releasing such records would violate privacy protections, even for public figures, and dismissed the Heritage Foundation’s allegations as speculative.

Judge Nichols, appointed by former U.S. President Donald Trump, initially ruled against full disclosure, citing privacy concerns. However, he later revised his stance, emphasizing the importance of transparency while ensuring that details regarding Harry’s immigration status remain confidential.

Meanwhile, Trump recently weighed in on the controversy, stating that he would not push for Harry’s deportation but took the opportunity to criticize Meghan Markle.

As the release deadline approaches, the case continues to fuel discussions on privacy rights, immigration policies, and potential preferential treatment for high-profile figures.