Prince Harry’s confidential immigration files may soon be released following President-elect Trump’s vow to not protect him, citing his “betrayal of the Queen.”
With Trump’s re-election, the Heritage Foundation’s long-standing effort to obtain the Duke of Sussex’s records is now more likely to succeed, after being blocked by the outgoing administration.
Nile Gardiner, Director of The Heritage Foundation’s Margaret Thatcher Center for Freedom, expressed confidence that the think tank could now successfully appeal the decision, following Trump’s victory. He suggested that there is a “strong possibility” that the Trump administration would act on this issue.
Harry’s visa application first came under scrutiny after he admitted to using recreational drugs in his 2023 memoir, a detail he was required to disclose in immigration documents.
The Heritage Foundation argues that these admissions could have made him ineligible for U.S. entry, prompting the think tank to sue the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) when it refused to release Harry’s immigration records in response to a Freedom of Information request.
In September, a judge ruled that the files should remain private for the time being, but Heritage is now appealing this decision.
Gardiner noted, “I think there’s a strong possibility that this could happen. It’s the president’s prerogative.” He added that the new Homeland Security Secretary could also order a review of Harry’s immigration application.
Gardiner emphasized that making Harry’s records public would be in the best interests of the American people, allowing for public scrutiny and accountability.
“Releasing Harry’s immigration records would send a very strong message about applying the rule of law equally to everyone,” he stated. He also suggested that if Harry has nothing to hide, he should support the release of the records.
Gardiner predicted that the files could be made public within the year, with growing pressure from the Republican-controlled Congress to do so.
The tension between Trump and Harry dates back to the 2016 election when Trump called Meghan Markle “nasty” after she labeled him “divisive” and “misogynistic.”
In February, Trump stated that he would not protect Harry if he won a second term, due to Harry’s perceived betrayal of the Queen.
“That’s unforgivable. He would be on his own if it was down to me,” Trump declared. He also mentioned taking “appropriate action” if Harry was found to have lied about his immigration status.
