Prince Harry’s stay in the United States could be on shaky ground due to the recent election victory of Donald Trump as the 47th U.S. president on November 5, 2024. This development has sparked debates about the Duke of Sussex’s immigration status and his confessed history of drug use.
The conservative Heritage Foundation has raised concerns about Prince Harry’s immigration status, particularly in light of his previous revelations in his memoir “Spare.” The group has filed a lawsuit against the Department of Homeland Security, accusing it of giving the royal preferential treatment in his visa application. However, a U.S. judge has ruled to keep Harry’s visa application confidential, acknowledging his right to privacy regarding his immigration status.
The Duke of Sussex has been openly criticized by Trump, who has stated, “I wouldn’t protect him. He betrayed the Queen. That’s unforgivable.” Trump has also accused the Biden administration of being overly accommodating to Harry since his move to Montecito, California.
Historically, there has been friction between Trump and the Sussexes. Meghan Markle has previously labeled Trump as “misogynistic” and “divisive,” while Harry seemed to indirectly critique Trump in a video, encouraging people to “reject hate speech, misinformation and online negativity.” Trump responded by saying he was “not a fan of hers” and wished Harry “a lot of luck.”
The president’s son, Eric Trump, has a different take on the situation, stating, “I don’t give a damn if he did drugs.” He suggested that Prince Harry’s visa status is secure because “no one cares” about the duke or his “unpopular” wife Meghan. He also mentioned that the Trump family holds “tremendous respect for the monarchy.”
According to reports, the Sussexes have prepared backup plans. Insiders suggest they have acquired property in Portugal as a potential alternative residence if issues arise with Harry’s U.S. visa status. The Portuguese location would offer easier access to the United Kingdom while still providing a base in Europe.
It is worth noting that Harry’s initial visa was granted under Trump’s administration in 2020. If Harry’s visa is classified under categories that the Trump administration could scrutinize, such as the O-1 visa for individuals with “extraordinary ability,” his U.S. residency may be at risk. The Heritage Foundation may appeal its case under the new Trump administration, potentially leading to a review of Harry’s visa application.
Harry and Meghan appear to have settled into life in the U.S., with Meghan rolling out her lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard. The brand is still in its early stages, but it is understood that she plans to offer a range of products, including jams, tableware, yoga accessories, and home goods.
The brand recently suffered a setback when its trademark application was rejected in September. The name of the brand, taken from the well-known nickname for Santa Barbara, California, was turned down as it is viewed as a commonly used regional term.
