Prince Harry’s drug use cited in push to release visa records by conservative US group

A conservative American think tank argued in a Washington court on Tuesday that Prince Harry’s past drug use, which he detailed in his memoir, should lead to the release of his immigration paperwork. The U.S. government has considered these records private, but the think tank, the Heritage Foundation, urged a judge for a faster response to their records request.

Coincidentally, the hearing took place while Prince Harry himself testified in another lawsuit he filed against British newspapers in London. In Washington, U.S. District Judge Carl Nichols instructed the Heritage Foundation and the Department of Homeland Security to expedite their response and stated that he would intervene if they could not reach an agreement.

Prince Harry, along with his wife Meghan Markle and their young family, relocated to Southern California in 2020 after stepping back from royal duties. They have since pursued various projects, including the release of Prince Harry’s memoir, titled “Spare,” in January.

In his book, Prince Harry revealed his experiences with grief following his mother Princess Diana’s death, conflicts with his brother Prince William, and his past drug use. He admitted to using cocaine multiple times, starting at the age of 17, in an attempt “to feel” and “be different.” He also acknowledged using cannabis and psychedelic mushrooms.

The United States typically inquires about drug use in visa applications, which has caused travel complications for celebrities such as chef Nigella Lawson, singer Amy Winehouse, and model Kate Moss. However, acknowledging past drug use does not necessarily prevent individuals from entering or staying in the country.

Considering this context, the conservative Heritage Foundation submitted a public information request to the Department of Homeland Security for Prince Harry’s immigration records. They argue that there is significant public interest in determining if Harry received special treatment during the application process. The foundation also connects these questions to broader immigration issues in the U.S., including those at the southern border with Mexico.

Samuel Dewey, a lawyer representing the Heritage Foundation, emphasized that the true essence of the case revolves around the Department of Homeland Security.

The request has largely been denied as the group lacks Prince Harry’s authorization to access his private information.

John Bardo, an attorney for the Department of Homeland Security, stated that a person’s visa status is confidential.

While the agency’s policy allows the release of information on matters of public interest, they argued that mainstream American publications have not extensively covered the connection between Harry’s drug use and his visa status in the U.S.

Federal attorneys also contended that the questions raised do not warrant expedited processing, as they do not involve significant government misconduct.

A representative for Prince Harry did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Although two out of three agencies involved have rejected the request, the Department of Homeland Security headquarters has not yet provided a formal response and is opposing the Heritage Foundation’s request for swift action. Judge Nichols expressed frustration at being tasked with deciding whether to order a prompt response but assured that he would make a ruling if the two sides failed to reach an agreement within a week.

Privacy is also central to the lawsuit Prince Harry filed against the publisher of the Daily Mirror, which was the subject of his testimony in London on Tuesday. This lawsuit, concerning 33 articles published between 1996 and 2011, is being litigated thousands of miles away. Prince Harry claims that the articles were based on phone hacking or other illegal surveillance methods. During his testimony, he criticized Britain’s tabloid press for their “destructive” role in his life but faced rigorous questioning from a newspaper’s lawyer regarding his recollection of reading the articles.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Prince Harry’s immigration records

More about Prince Harry’s immigration records

• Prince Harry Opens Up About Past Drug Use in Explosive Memoir
• Conservative Think Tank Argues for Release of Prince Harry’s Immigration Records
• Heritage Foundation’s Request for Prince Harry’s Immigration Records
• Department of Homeland Security’s Policy on Visa Status Confidentiality
• Public Interest and Immigration Issues in the US
• Legal Battle over Prince Harry’s Privacy and Immigration Records