Prince Harry was spotted in high spirits on Tuesday after the U.S. government confirmed that he had not received any special treatment during his visa application process.
The Duke of Sussex, who lives in Santa Barbara, California with his wife Meghan Markle, seemed relieved as he stepped out of a van to run errands, visibly lighter than in previous weeks.
End of Legal Battle Over Prince Harry’s Visa Documents
This new development marks the end of the lawsuit filed by the Heritage Foundation, which had sought to prove that Harry lied about his past drug use in his visa application.
The organization’s claims had led to widespread speculation, including rumors that former President Donald Trump could potentially deport the prince.
However, a lawyer from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) assured that Harry’s application had adhered to all the necessary rules and regulations.
Privacy Measures and Redacted Documents
Despite these reassurances, many documents related to Harry’s immigration process were heavily redacted in an effort to protect his privacy.
The prince’s immigration file remains private, with DHS officials explaining that revealing his visa status could subject him to harassment and unwanted media attention.
The department also emphasized that his status is protected under immigration law, and releasing this sensitive information could potentially lead to public harm.
The Ongoing Mystery of Harry’s Immigration Status
Harry and Meghan, who moved to the U.S. in 2020, have not publicly disclosed the specifics of his immigration status.
This continues to fuel speculation, especially as there has been no clarity about whether he is in the country on a visa or a different immigration status.
DHS officer Jarrod Panter reiterated that disclosing such details without Harry’s consent could expose him to media harassment or unwanted attention from the public.
Heritage Foundation’s Continued Push for Full Transparency
Despite the U.S. government’s statement, the Heritage Foundation has remained vocal about its desire to release Harry’s full visa application.
Nile Gardiner, the director of the think tank, expressed disappointment that so much of the released documents were redacted, stating that the American public deserves full transparency about Harry’s immigration process.
He argued that if there were nothing to hide, the documents should be made available in full.
Speculation Surrounding Donald Trump’s Role
Throughout the legal battle, speculation about Donald Trump’s potential involvement in Harry’s situation has been a major topic of conversation.
Initially, Trump had indicated that he wouldn’t protect Harry, even suggesting the possibility of deportation.
However, the former president recently changed his stance, claiming that Harry’s personal issues with Meghan Markle were reason enough to give him a break.
Calls for Accountability and Full Disclosure
Gardiner emphasized that the heavily redacted documents only reinforce the need for full transparency.
He believes that the Biden administration’s handling of the case lacks accountability and that the Trump administration, known for its emphasis on transparency, may be more willing to release the full details of Harry’s visa application if given the opportunity.
This ongoing legal saga continues to stir debate about privacy, transparency, and the public’s right to know about the immigration status of public figures, particularly those as high-profile as Prince Harry.