Prince Harry just gave the world a rare glimpse inside his $14.65 million Montecito estate, but that’s not the only thing making headlines.
While the Duke of Sussex filmed a heartfelt video urging the public to support the 2025 WellChild Awards, a very different story is unfolding in Washington, D.C.—one that could impact his future residency in the U.S.
A lawsuit demanding the release of Harry’s visa records has been reopened, reigniting questions about whether he lied about past drug use on his U.S. application.
And with a new administration in the White House, this case is about to heat up.
Harry’s Video Message from Montecito
For years, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have kept the inside of their Montecito mansion off-limits. But that changed when Harry recorded a video for WellChild, a charity supporting children with complex medical conditions.
The video was filmed on the grounds of his Montecito home, the same estate he and Meghan purchased in 2020 after stepping down as senior royals.
While he now lives full-time in California, Harry has remained active in UK charities, balancing those commitments with work on American initiatives, including a recent volunteer event for Los Angeles wildfire victims.
But while Harry is focused on his charity work, his legal team is preparing for a high-stakes courtroom battle over his immigration status.
The Visa Controversy: Could Harry Be Deported?
Harry’s U.S. visa status has been under scrutiny since he admitted to past drug use in his 2023 memoir, Spare. In the book, he confessed to experimenting with cocaine, marijuana, and psychedelic mushrooms.
U.S. law requires visa applicants to disclose past drug use—and failing to do so can lead to deportation. So, naturally, the Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank, submitted a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request to see Harry’s visa records. When their request was denied, they then filed a lawsuit demanding the release of those records, arguing that he either:
- Lied on his application and should face consequences, or
- Told the truth but received “special treatment” from the DHS and Biden administration due to his royal status.
The lawsuit was originally dismissed in September 2024, but in a dramatic twist, it was reopened just weeks after Donald Trump’s return to the White House.
What Happens Next?
For the first time, this case is heading to court. A federal judge has ordered both sides to appear in Washington, D.C., on February 5, 2025. The hearing could determine whether Harry’s visa records remain private or become public knowledge.
President Trump has publicly weighed in, telling the Daily Express: “I wouldn’t protect him. He betrayed the Queen. That’s unforgivable.” Trump didn’t elaborate on the details of that betrayal or how it has anything to do with the validity of Prince Harry’s visa.
He did hint that if Harry lied about drug use on his visa application, there could be “appropriate action.”
John Mulaney Roasts Harry & Meghan
Amidst the drama, Harry and Meghan have been the subject of ongoing public scrutiny, with comedian John Mulaney recently taking a jab at the couple during a Netflix event.
To be fair, he made the comment after some light, deprecatory humor about his own show, Everybody’s Live with John Mulaney:
“This is a really fun experiment. Not since Harry and Meghan has Netflix given more money to someone without a specific plan.”
According to Daily Mail, a source in the auditorium noted the Hollywood audience was visibly shocked, with some snickering and several “whoas.”
Harry and Meghan have a deal with Netflix worth tens of millions, and they’ve already delivered content, including Harry & Meghan and Harry’s series on polo. Meghan’s upcoming series—With Love, Meghan—was postponed to March due to the Los Angeles wildfires, when the couple opened their home to evacuated friends.
With the visa battle heating up, the future of their residency in the U.S. is now at stake.
So, what do you think? Should Harry’s visa records be made public?
