In his comments to the Daily Express US, Donald Trump expressed a clear stance that Prince Harry's royal status would not shield him from the consequences of U.S. immigration policies, highlighting a firm position against what he views as disloyalty to the British monarchy.
"He betrayed The Queen. That’s unforgivable. He would be on his own if it was down to me," Trump declared, emphasizing the gravity he assigns to Harry's actions in the context of royal duties and traditions.
The backdrop to Trump's remarks is a legal challenge by The Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank, which sought to unveil Prince Harry's immigration documents following admissions of past drug use in his memoir. The foundation's argument hinges on standard U.S. immigration policy, which typically considers such a history as a factor that could render an individual inadmissible.
The debate over Prince Harry's visa status comes amid broader discussions about the Duke's ability to maintain his lifestyle in Montecito, California, given the stringent immigration laws in the U.S.
Royal biographer Angela Levin highlighted the potential implications of the disclosed documents, speculating on whether Prince Harry's admissions in his memoir could jeopardize his residency in the U.S.
Despite the controversy, Christi Jackson, Head of U.S. Immigration, clarified the legal stance on such matters. She explained that admissions of drug use before the age of 18 generally do not impact visa eligibility and that any admissions made after that age would need to meet specific criteria to affect visa status.
Jackson's statement sheds light on the complexities of immigration law, particularly in cases involving public figures who have made potentially incriminating statements in non-legal settings, such as autobiographies.
Trump's critical perspective on the Sussexes is not new; he has previously voiced his disapproval of Meghan Markle and expressed sympathy for Queen Elizabeth II amidst the royal family's public challenges.
His latest comments reinforce his position and inject a political dimension into the ongoing discourse surrounding Prince Harry's life and decisions post-royalty.
As the situation unfolds, the intersection of immigration policy, personal history, and royal connections continues to provoke debate and speculation about the future of Prince Harry and his family in the United States. The legal and public scrutiny of Harry's visa status underscores the broader tensions between personal freedom, public accountability, and the enduring influence of royal affiliations in a global context.