Donald Trump may avoid deporting Prince Harry as a “favour to King Charles”, a lawyer has claimed.
Following Trump’s election victory, legal experts have discussed whether the Duke of Sussex has lost the “upper hand” in his battle to keep his immigration documents private.
The royal’s admission of past drug use in his memoir “Spare” has raised questions about whether he disclosed this information on his visa application when moving to the US in 2020.
Legal experts suggested Harry’s past drug admissions could prove particularly problematic for his US residency.
Donald Trump may avoid deporting Prince Harry as a ‘favour to King Charles’
Getty / Reuters
The Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank, has told GB News it is more confident of accessing Harry’s visa records through the courts.
The group believes Trump’s victory significantly improves its chances of accessing Harry’s immigration records.
Nile Gardiner, the director of the Margaret Thatcher Center for Freedom at The Heritage Foundation, exclusively told GB News: “President Trump is someone who is firmly dedicated to ensuring the security of America’s borders and the full enforcement of American immigration law.
“With all the revelations about drug use by Harry in his own book, Spare, his immigration records should be fully reviewed and open to the US public for scrutiny.
Donald Trump will become the 47th president of the United StatesReuters“So I’m very hopeful that we will see the release of Harry’s records by the next US administration.
“The American people should be able to judge for themselves what Harry actually put on his application and whether he was honest and truthful.
“And if he was not honest and truthful in his application, that would be a criminal offence and he would be removed from the country. It’s as simple as that.”
Immigration lawyers have outlined various scenarios for potential deportation proceedings against the Duke of Sussex.
Harry and Meghan live in Montecito, California in the USGettyUS immigration lawyer Melissa Chavin suggested Trump could most easily remove Harry if he’s on an A-1 diplomatic visa.
“All Trump has to do is tell his Department of State we don’t accept what the British Government says about Harry”, Chavin told The Mail.
However, New York lawyer Michael Wildes, who worked with Melania Trump’s family, offered a different perspective, suggesting Trump might be more measured.
“He could allow Harry to stay as a favour for King Charles”, Wildes told the publication, noting Trump’s “sophisticated view” towards high-profile immigration cases.
Harry lives in the California with his wife Meghan Markle and their two childrenGettyWildes added: “He may just pardon the Prince from any domestic crimes. I’ve worked with Mr Trump personally on very delicate matters in the past relating to immigration and he literally has a Trump card in these matters.”
If deported, Harry would have just days to leave if on a visa, but could mount a defence if he holds a green card.
Reports suggest the Duke of Sussex may already be preparing contingency plans, having recently purchased a home in Portugal.
“We can expect to see more of Harry back in Britain in years to come”, an insider told royal commentator Richard Eden.