US officials shared parts of Prince Harry’s visa records this week but kept key details secret. A conservative group, the Heritage Foundation, asked to see the files after Harry wrote about using drugs in his book Spare.
The released papers have many blacked-out sections. Judges said sharing full details could risk Harry’s safety or lead to unwanted media attention. They found no proof Harry got special treatment when he applied to live in the US.
In his book, Harry admitted using cocaine at 17, marijuana in school, and psychedelic mushrooms at a friend’s home. US visa rules ask about drug history, and lying can lead to rejection. However, officials can approve visas case by case.
The Heritage Foundation argued the public should know if Harry told the truth. Courts disagreed, saying privacy concerns outweighed public interest.
Harry and his wife Meghan moved to California in 2020 after leaving their royal roles. His exact visa type remains private. Neither Harry nor the Heritage Foundation commented on the release.
The case shows challenges in balancing privacy for famous figures with public curiosity. Legal experts say visa decisions often stay confidential, even for well-known applicants.