Prince Harry 'unlikely' to be deported despite Trump's past criticism

Prince Harry’s US visa controversy has resurfaced following the release of redacted court documents earlier this week. 

The Duke of Sussex, 40, came under scrutiny after admitting to past drug use in his 2023 memoir, Spare, prompting The Heritage Foundation to question how he obtained a US visa in 2020.

The conservative think tank demanded the release of his immigration documents, arguing that Harry either lied on his application or was given preferential treatment by the Biden administration. 

However, the heavily redacted files provided no evidence of government misconduct and failed to clarify whether Harry disclosed his history of drug use when applying.

Despite Donald Trump’s past criticism of Harry and Meghan Markle, one legal expert believes the president is unlikely to follow through on deportation threats, citing more pressing priorities.

Speaking to The Express US, California-based family attorney Alphonse Provinziano explained why Trump is unlikely to pursue the case.

"First, the process itself must be initiated, and there would likely be little reason to expedite Prince Harry's removal," Provinziano said.

He added that Harry’s status as a war veteran, his philanthropic efforts, and positive public sentiment in the US work in his favour.

"It seems unlikely that President-elect Trump would prioritize his removal for political reasons, even if questions about Harry's immigration status arise," he continued.

"Trump has made it clear that his focus is on deporting approximately 3,000 alleged criminal illegal aliens in the US, a process which may take nearly four years."

Why is Prince Harry's legal status under scrutiny?

Following his move to the US in 2020, Prince Harry made shocking admissions in his memoir, Spare, revealing that he had used cocaine, marijuana, and magic mushrooms.

In response, the Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank, filed a Freedom of Information Act request to access details about Harry’s US immigration application.

The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) initially refused to release the records, leading the organization to take the case to court.

After months of legal battles, Judge Nichols ruled in September 2024 that there was no public interest in disclosing Harry’s visa details.

However, following an appeal, he agreed to release redacted copies of three documents, while keeping a fourth document private. 

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