Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have found themselves in hot water following their latest public statement, with legal experts and political commentators suggesting that the Duke of Sussex could face deportation from the United States. The controversy erupted after the couple made remarks on free speech and social media policies, which critics argue crossed into political territory an act that traditionally violates royal protocol.
Nile Gardiner, the director of the Margaret Thatcher Center for Freedom, has been vocal about the potential consequences Prince Harry might face if it is proven that he was dishonest in his U.S. immigration application. Speaking to the Daily Beast, Gardiner stated that If he was dishonest on his application, he should be deported. This is a straightforward matter of transparency.
The possibility of deportation stems from ongoing scrutiny over Harry’s visa status, particularly after he admitted to past drug use in his memoir, Spare. Under U.S. immigration laws, failure to disclose drug use or other disqualifying information on a visa application can lead to serious consequences, including removal from the country.
The controversy erupted after the Duke and Duchess of Sussex posted a statement on their website, Sussex.com, criticizing changes to Meta’s policies that they claim threaten free speech. The statement read that It doesn’t matter whether your views are left, right, or somewhere in between—the latest news from Meta about changes to their policies directly undermines free speech. This should deeply concern us all.
While the couple did not take a direct political stance, critics argue that their comments placed them in the middle of a highly charged debate about censorship, social media governance, and political discourse in the U.S.
Gardiner and other royal experts believe that by making such statements, Harry and Meghan have once again breached royal protocol, which traditionally requires members of the Royal Family to remain politically neutral. For members of the Royal Family to engage in such overtly political matters is, quite frankly, highly inappropriate. It goes against royal protocol, Gardiner stated.
He further argued that the couple’s continued use of their royal titles while engaging in political debates is damaging to the monarchy’s image as “Their use of these titles to further their personal and political agendas makes a mockery of the Royal Family’s customary neutrality.”
Adding fuel to the fire, there has been speculation that former U.S. President Donald Trump, who is running for re-election in 2024, might take action against Prince Harry if he were to return to the White House. Trump has previously criticized the Sussexes, particularly Meghan Markle, for their behavior toward the Royal Family.
With increasing scrutiny over Harry’s visa status, a Trump presidency could lead to further investigations into whether the Duke of Sussex provided false information in his immigration documents.
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The potential legal trouble for Harry stems from his own admissions in Spare, where he openly discussed past drug use, including marijuana, cocaine, and psychedelic substances. Under U.S. immigration law, foreign nationals who admit to drug use even if it occurred outside the U.S.—can be deemed inadmissible.
Though it is unclear whether Harry disclosed this information on his visa application, if it is found that he omitted these details, he could be at risk of deportation.
The backlash over Harry and Meghan’s statement has reignited debates about their role in public life. While some supporters argue that the couple has the right to express their views on global issues, others believe they are overstepping their bounds by engaging in political discourse.
Critics point out that despite stepping down as senior royals in 2020, the couple continues to wield their royal titles and connections to amplify their personal views—something that Queen Elizabeth II and King Charles have always avoided.
At this point, it remains to be seen whether Prince Harry’s immigration status will come under official review. However, with increasing scrutiny from conservative political figures and media outlets, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex may find themselves facing further challenges in the U.S.
If a Republican-led administration takes office in 2025, the likelihood of Harry facing legal trouble over his visa could increase significantly. Meanwhile, Meghan and Harry’s growing involvement in social and political issues may continue to draw criticism from both royal watchers and American conservatives.
For now, the couple remains silent on the controversy, but as pressure mounts, their future in the United States could become an even bigger question mark.
