Prince Harry may risk public embarrassment if the next US administration, led by Donald Trump, reviews his visa application, royal historian Richard Fitzwilliams has suggested. In a recent interview with GB NewsFitzwilliams discussed the possibility, acknowledging the potential diplomatic complications that could arise if the former president focused on the duke’s immigration status.
“There is no doubt that this is a very toxic topic,” Fitzwilliams commented“But I don’t see that the future administration wants to get involved in problems with the British royal family, which obviously would happen if this were to happen.” However, he highlighted the controversial relationship between the Sussexes and Trump. Meghan Markle previously called Trump “misogynistic and divisive,” while Trump called Meghan “disgusting.”
Both Harry and Meghan were careful not to get directly involved in the recent election, urging people to vote generally rather than backing a specific candidate. Suspected Fitzwilliams that a Trump administration would have more pressing problems to address. “I strongly suspect that the new administration has other priorities,” he said, adding that Trump probably “wouldn’t want the enormous amount of fuss” that could accompany such an investigation.
Still, the issue remains relevant, as Fitzwilliams noted. Conservative figure Nigel Farage has already hinted that Trump might consider investigating him, following efforts by the Heritage Foundation, a right-wing organization that has pushed for details about Prince Harry’s visa. The foundation’s interest stems from Harry’s admission in his memoirs, Replacementwho previously consumed illicit substances.
Under US immigration law, such an admission could be grounds for denying entry, raising questions about how Harry was granted a visa. Fitzwilliams added that discretion is normally expected in these matters. “The Biden administration did not want to go into details,” he explained. A judge dismissed the Heritage Foundation’s request to review Harry’s visa application in September, but Fitzwilliams recognized that “It’s perfectly possible for it to reopen.”
“If it were reopened, it would be very embarrassing for the Sussexes,” he concluded, warning of the possible consequences if the matter resurfaced. While the topic remains speculative, Fitzwilliams’ comments highlight the delicate balance Harry and Meghan may need to navigate an administration less sympathetic to them than the current one.
As Fitzwilliams emphasized, Trump’s involvement could reignite public scrutiny over Harry’s residency status in the United States, creating potential diplomatic tension between the former president’s administration and the British royal family.