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Meghan Markle’s husband Prince Harry’s visa row over past drug use puts a damper on her showbiz prospect, as she faces a critical career-defining point with her Netflix deal and newly-launched As Ever brand. The Duke of Sussex went all out with his revelation in his 2023 memoir, Spare, throwing dirt on senior royals. Interestingly, he did not leave himself out of the “smear” campaign, admitting to using drugs like cocaine, marijuana, and psychedelic mushrooms recreationally in the past. This unveiling of his drug history has turned back to haunt the exiled UK prince in the form of a lawsuit by The Heritage Foundation.
The conservative think-tank sued the Department of Homeland Security last year, pushing for the release of Prince Harry’s visa application files and immigration records. This group believes Meghan Markle’s husband lied about his past drug use during his visa application, as he otherwise would not have scored a US visa back in 2020 when he fled the UK with his American wife. Unless, of course, the Prince received special treatment during the application process.
Harry and Meghan Sick of Prevailing Visa Row
Speaking to Closer, a source revealed that both Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan Markle, found the whole visa back and forth tiring, especially as it seemed to have the worst possible timing. The source divulged,
“Harry and Meghan are sick to death of this saga. They can’t believe it; it’s still dragging on, and find it excruciatingly annoying how it always seems to rear its head at the worst possible time.”
The timing of the recent wave of allegations is especially disheartening for the Sussexes, who are at their make-or-break career moment, with the future of their Netflix deal hanging by a thread. Megan Markle gambled it all on her Netflix cooking show, With Love, Meghan, following the flop of her husband’s Polo show last year. Coupled with her efforts to hard launch her lifestyle brand, As Ever, amid prevailing trademark disputes, the last thing Meghan needs at this point is another scandal smearing her picture-perfect brand image. The source explained,
“They’ve cultivated a squeaky clean, wholesome and responsible image and want to appeal to families and ethically-minded professional types. Yet because of this ongoing campaign by the Heritage Foundation – which they feel is ridiculous – the ‘drug scandal’ element is being dragged out in public and Harry is being raked over the coals and branded a liar.”
Even in the heat of the ongoing visa row, Harry and Meghan have managed to score small wins, most notably, the judge’s approval of the release of only the heavily redacted versions of the Prince’s visa records. The insider revealed that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex were pleased these released records “were sealed in large parts,” respecting the DES’s duty of confidentiality to the Duke.
Meghan Markle’s Rebrand Threatened Amid Husband’s Immigration Saga
Regardless, Meghan Markle and her husband continue their deep dive, with numerous “drama and scandal” hitting them on all fronts, beyond their control. This potentially has a damaging impact on the pristine reputation Meghan is working so hard to create to ensure a seamless leap into the lifestyle niche with her As Ever brand. The insider added,
“It’s the last thing they need right now and a real kick in the teeth. They feel humiliated.”
Prince Harry’s visa row seemed to make headway this month after a Washington judge, Carl Nichols, ordered the immediate release of redacted versions of Prince Harry’s visa application records. The said documents were eventually released, with heavy redactions, offering little detail regarding the prince’s response to the question about his drug history. The department has since ruled that the released documents pointed to no evidence of government misconduct, and Harry’s visa application followed the applicable rules and regulations in compliance with the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1103.
Yet, the Heritage Foundation remains insatiable, demanding the release of more documents to support their case. The conservative group has since threatened another lawsuit against the Department of Homeland Security to ensure they get to the bottom of Harry’s visa saga for good, leaving no stone unturned.
