Prince Harry's Secret Drug Past? Redacted Docs Raise Eyebrows

Prince Harry, May 2016. Photo by U.S. Marine Corps, Capt. Andrew Bolla. Public domain.

Prince Harry's U.S. immigration records have finally been released — or at least, some of them. But if you were hoping for answers, don't hold your breath. Most of the documents are so heavily redacted they might as well be blank. The one thing they make crystal clear? The key question — did Harry lie about his drug use to get into the United States — is still unanswered.

A Royal Mystery, Wrapped in Red Tape

At the heart of the controversy is a line from Harry's own memoir, "Spare," where the prince casually confesses to a history of recreational drug use. From cocaine at 17 to marijuana at Eton and even magic mushrooms in Hollywood, Harry didn't shy away from detailing his experiences. And that's precisely what got him into trouble.

Since noncitizens who admit to drug use can be denied a visa under U.S. immigration law, conservative watchdog group The Heritage Foundation has demanded to know: Did Prince Harry lie on his visa application? Or did he get special treatment because of his royal status?

The U.S. government was forced to respond after a court ruling ordered the release of related documents. But what we got was far from full transparency. Page after page of redacted text. No visa form. No answers. And most crucially, no confirmation of whether the Duke of Sussex ever ticked that notorious "Have you ever used drugs?" box.

What We Know — and What's Missing

Here's what we do know from the documents and court proceedings:

• The U.S. government insists the proper legal process was followed and that Prince Harry received no special favors.
• A judge agreed to release redacted records but said full disclosure would cause reasonably foreseeable harm — including harassment — if Harry's exact immigration status became public.
• Despite releasing some material, officials redacted everything that could directly answer whether Harry disclosed his past drug use.
• The Heritage Foundation, which filed the lawsuit, argues the public deserves to know whether immigration laws were applied fairly. They continue to push for full disclosure, stating no one — not even a prince — is above the law.

Trump Turns Up the Heat

Then there's Trump, who has been watching this saga unfold with barely concealed glee.

The current U.S. president has made it clear he won't deport Harry — for now. But insiders say if it's proven that Harry lied on his visa forms, Trump would fully support a prosecution. Trump has already called Meghan "terrible," accused Harry of being "whipped," and repeatedly insisted the Sussexes shouldn't get special privileges, as reported by The U.S. Sun.

During a GB News interview last year, Trump said Harry shouldn't receive "special privileges" if he lied. "No. We'll have to see if they know something about the drugs, and if he lied they'll have to take appropriate action," Trump added, as reported by The U.S. Sun.

The Heritage Foundation Won't Let This Go

The Heritage Foundation isn't backing down either. Spokesperson Nile Gardiner has said the organization is fighting for accountability. Their lawsuit argues that Harry's memoir created a legitimate reason to investigate whether his visa was lawfully granted.

Gardiner told The Telegraph: "Anyone who applies to the United States has to be truthful on their application, and it is not clear that is the case with Prince Harry," as reported by The U.S. Sun.

And while the Department of Homeland Security maintains there's no evidence of wrongdoing, critics say the redactions only add to the suspicion.

Legal Loopholes or Royal Privilege?

U.S. immigration policy does allow officers some discretion in visa decisions, especially if the applicant poses no public safety threat. But the fact that Harry entered the country shortly after detailing drug use in his book — and again in his Netflix^® series — raises eyebrows. Especially when average applicants with similar histories would likely be denied.

Harry and Meghan relocated to California in 2020. Since then, they've built a new life away from the royal family — but that escape from the spotlight has come with a new kind of scrutiny. Every move is now filtered through the lens of American politics, media, and public opinion.

Why This Still Matters

At its core, this story isn't just about Prince Harry. It's about whether U.S. immigration law applies equally to everyone, or if fame and fortune buy exemptions. It's also a test of political will — as Trump signals he's ready to act if given cause — and a glimpse into how messy the intersection of celebrity and state power can get.

Until the redacted lines are unmasked or a whistleblower steps forward, the public may never get a definitive answer. But one thing is clear: the pressure isn’t going away anytime soon.

Prince Harry's visa status — and everything it implies — is now part of America's political theater.

And the curtain hasn't dropped yet.

References: Plot Thickens – Prince Harry's secret visa files released | The Guardian – Prince Harry US visa documents released