The Duke of Sussex has landed himself in a difficult position with questions being raised over his visa application to the US and his drug-taking admissions in Spare
Prince Harry has landed himself in a tricky situation over his US visa application, according to a royal expert.
The American conservative think tank The Heritage Foundation has launched legal action, claiming that Harry either lied about his previous drug use – which he spoke about in his tell-memoir Spare – or else received special treatment from the US government.
And according to expert Jennie Bond it could lead to an embarrassing outcome for the Prince. Anyone applying for a visa in America must declare if they have a past history with drug use. Harry admitted using substances, including cocaine, in Spare which was released in 2023, three years after his visa was granted.
Speaking to OK magazine, Jennie said: “This is a sticky situation for Harry to find himself in. There seem to be only three possible conclusions: he lied in his visa application, he lied in his book, or he has been made a special case by the American authorities. All of these signal an embarrassing outcome for Harry.
“I suspect a way will be found to preserve his reputation and his visa, but he does seem to have boxed himself into a tight corner. Given the prevalence of drugs, I don’t imagine for a moment that Harry’s application is unusual, (assuming he denied drugs).”
Jennie, the BBC’s royal correspondent for 14 years, concluded: “I hope they don’t succeed in making an example of him just because of who he is. He has found love and happiness and freedom in the States. I hope he can continue to enjoy it.”
It comes after it was revealed that Harry has officially changed his listed country of residence from the United Kingdom to the United States following his 2020 move to California with Meghan Markle.
The Duke of Sussex, 39, filed a notice with the switch in documents at the U.K.’s Companies House connected to Travalyst, his environmental tourism initiative. The move was backdated to June 2023, when he and Meghan were officially evicted from Frogmore Cottage, the former home.
Experts believe it signals an attempt to ‘move on’ from the royal family . And it has prompted speculation about his ties to his family, and his connection to Britain, going forward.
Harry was previously asked whether he would consider applying for American citizenship during an interview with Good Morning America. Host Will Reeve asked: “Do you feel American?” Harry responded: “Do I feel American?” before answering in one word… “No.”
“I don’t know how I feel,” he added. The host then went on to ask Harry what would stop him from applying for American citizenship. He replied: “I have no idea. I’m here standing next to these guys. The American citizenship is a thought that has crossed my mind, but certainly not something that is a priority for me right now.”
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