Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are reportedly on edge as they brace for potential scrutiny under the newly elected U.S. administration. Following Donald Trump’s landslide victory in the 2024 presidential election, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s silence during the campaign has raised eyebrows among royal watchers. The couple, who previously made waves with their politically charged remarks in 2020, opted for a noticeably quieter approach this time around.
In 2020, Harry and Meghan urged their audience to “reject hate speech, misinformation, and online negativity,” comments widely interpreted as a subtle endorsement of Joe Biden over Donald Trump. However, their silence during this election cycle has been deafening, leaving many to speculate about their current stance and concerns, especially as they navigate uncharted waters with Trump set to take office once again.
According to Nile Gardiner, director of the Heritage Foundation’s Margaret Thatcher Center for Freedom, the royal couple might have had good reason to stay out of the political fray this time. Speaking exclusively to GB News, Gardiner highlighted that the Sussexes may be feeling uneasy about the implications of Trump’s win.
“But I will say this,” Gardiner stated, “if Prince Harry has nothing to hide with regard to his immigration application, he should welcome and support the release of his immigration records.” His remarks refer to the ongoing controversy surrounding Prince Harry’s visa status in the United States, especially following his bombshell admissions of past drug use in his memoir Spare.
The Heritage Foundation, a conservative think-tank, has been at the forefront of a campaign to make Harry’s visa documents public. They argue that there are questions about whether the Biden administration offered special protection to the Duke during his application process. Disclosing prior drug use is typically a requirement for U.S. visa applicants, and while such admissions do not guarantee a denial, they can significantly affect eligibility.
Earlier this year, the Heritage Foundation even took legal action against the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to release Harry’s visa records. However, in a September 2024 ruling, the court decided to keep the documents private, a decision that has since sparked controversy, particularly among conservative groups who accuse the Biden administration of favoritism.
With Trump’s win, Gardiner believes the situation could take a dramatic turn. He suggested that the new administration might be less inclined to shield Prince Harry, predicting a potential reopening of the case.
“I would add that I would not be surprised if Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are very, very nervous as a result of the outcome of the U.S. presidential election,” Gardiner shared. “Prince Harry has been shielded and protected by the Biden administration, and he will not be shielded by the next U.S. administration.”
The idea that Trump’s administration might revisit the Sussexes’ visa status has reportedly left the couple feeling apprehensive. Meghan and Harry, who have settled in California since stepping down as senior royals in 2020, have largely aligned themselves with progressive causes in the U.S., creating a significant contrast to Trump’s conservative platform.
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The 2024 election outcome has undoubtedly put Harry and Meghan in a precarious position. Their silence this year might have been a strategic move to avoid drawing unwanted attention or criticism, particularly when facing potential legal battles over Harry’s immigration status. The Sussexes’ decision to steer clear of political endorsements could reflect an awareness of the changing political landscape and the possible ramifications it could have for their life in America.
As the political climate shifts, the coming months may prove challenging for Harry and Meghan. With Trump’s history of targeting high-profile figures who have been critical of him, it’s not far-fetched to imagine the Sussexes might be next on his radar. Their previous comments about Trump, coupled with their visible support for Biden-era policies, could place them in a difficult position under the new administration.
For now, the Sussexes have remained publicly silent about their concerns, but insiders suggest they are gearing up for potential legal battles or public scrutiny as Trump’s team takes over. The reopening of the immigration case could mean a tough road ahead for the couple, especially if the new administration pushes for transparency in Harry’s visa records.
As the Duke and Duchess navigate this uncertain period, their focus may need to shift from celebrity engagements and Netflix projects to legal defense and maintaining their status in the U.S. If Gardiner’s predictions hold true, Harry and Meghan could find themselves facing unprecedented challenges, forced to adapt quickly to a new reality under a Trump-led White House.
With the political tides turning against them, only time will tell how Prince Harry and Meghan Markle plan to weather this storm and whether their decision to remain silent in the 2024 election was a wise one.
