In a recent ruling, US District Judge Carl Nichols determined that Prince Harry’s visa documents would remain confidential, marking a legal victory for the Duke. However, with Donald Trump’s impending return to office, this decision by the Biden administration might be challenged, potentially favoring The Heritage Foundation’s ongoing efforts to make these records public.
Nile Gardiner, Director of The Heritage Foundation’s Margaret Thatcher Center for Freedom, commented to the *Daily Mail* following Trump’s win over Kamala Harris, noting a “strong possibility” that Trump’s administration would support the release of Harry’s immigration records. “It’s the president’s prerogative,” Gardiner remarked, adding that with Trump’s upcoming term, “the new Homeland Security could order a review of Harry’s immigration application.” He also suggested that the Biden administration “bent over backwards to protect Prince Harry,” implying that protection would likely end after Trump’s inauguration.
Gardiner stressed that releasing Harry’s records would “send a very strong message about applying the rule of law equally to everyone.” He argued that if Harry has “nothing to hide, he should support the release of the records” himself.
The controversy around Harry’s visa began after his 2023 memoir, *Spare*, which revealed past drug use that could have impacted his US entry eligibility. The Heritage Foundation filed a Freedom of Information request to obtain Harry’s immigration records, but the Department of Homeland Security denied it. The right-wing think tank has since taken legal action, alleging that the duke’s drug admissions should have raised red flags for US authorities.
Gardiner expects the matter to progress next year, anticipating support from the Republican-controlled Congress in the Heritage Foundation’s efforts to challenge Harry’s visa status. Meanwhile, Trump’s personal views on Harry are no secret, especially given the longstanding tension between Trump and Meghan Markle. Trump criticized Meghan as “divisive” and “misogynistic,” and in February took aim at Harry, saying he “wouldn’t protect” him for “betraying the Queen.”
Eric Trump echoed his father’s sentiments, bluntly suggesting that his father would “happily” deport Harry. With Britain also distanced from the prince, this potential action from the Trump administration could leave Harry facing uncertain prospects in both countries.