Newly uncovered documents suggest that Prince Harry may have been granted a highly exclusive visa, potentially solving the years-long mystery surrounding his residency in the United States.
According to a legal expert, the Duke of Sussex is likely living in California under a rare “head of state” visa—typically reserved for senior royals, diplomats, and statesmen.
Public Scrutiny Over Harry’s Residency
Since moving to the US with Meghan Markle in 2020, Harry’s visa status has sparked significant public curiosity. In May 2023, the conservative think tank The Heritage Foundation sued the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), demanding the release of Harry’s immigration records under the Freedom of Information Act.
The group claimed that the Duke may have received special treatment in his application and questioned whether he had been truthful about his history of drug use. Applicants who admit to using illicit substances can be denied entry or residency in the US.
In his memoir Spare, Harry openly acknowledged past use of marijuana, cocaine, and psychedelic mushrooms—statements that only intensified debate over his legal status.
Court Battles and Redacted Documents
Earlier this year, a US judge ruled that details about Harry’s visa were private, releasing only a heavily redacted DHS document that offered little clarity.
But the issue took a new turn when it was revealed that another government agency—the Department of State, overseen by Marco Rubio—also holds documents concerning Harry’s visa. This disclosure came through a court filing by Jeanine Pirro, now a U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, as part of the Heritage Foundation’s ongoing civil case.
The “Golden Ticket”: A-1 Diplomatic Visa
At the center of speculation is the rare A-1 visa, often referred to as a “golden ticket.” This diplomatic document is issued at the State Department’s discretion to senior foreign royals and government leaders.
Immigration lawyer Melissa Chavin explained that Harry may have benefited from this arrangement throughout much of his life. “I would expect that Prince Harry had an A-1 visa every year of his life,” she told the Daily Mail.
She further explained that these visas are typically issued in five-year intervals: “Take his age and divide by five to figure out how many applications he has filed—or had filed on his behalf when underage. That would be about eight applications. Each visa is valid for multiple entries into the United States.”
What This Means Going Forward
While questions remain, the revelation that the Department of State holds relevant documents—and the possibility that Harry has long relied on the A-1 visa—offers the clearest explanation yet for how the Duke has been able to reside in the US despite controversy over his admissions of drug use.
The saga underscores how unique Harry’s position is: not just as a high-profile royal, but also as someone navigating American immigration law under exceptional circumstances.