In the sunny, palm-lined hills of Montecito, California, Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan Markle, have built a gilded life for themselves since leaving the British royal family’s restrictive lockdown in early 2020. However, their American dream now faces significant uncertainty as troubling questions have emerged over the legality of Harry’s visa status in the United States.
For the past three years, the Duke of Sussex has been living in the United States on an O-1 visa, a special permit granted to individuals with extraordinary ability in the arts, sciences, business, athletics or other specialized fields. The visa allows Harry to reside and work in the United States and is often seen as a stepping stone to a more permanent green card. However, the Department of Homeland Security is reportedly investigating how Harry obtained the coveted visa, raising concerns that he may have falsified or embellished his qualifications to qualify.
If authorities determine that Harry doesn’t meet the strict requirements for an O-1 visa, it could spell disaster for the prince and his family. The O-1 visa is notoriously difficult to obtain, even for true superstars. Immigration attorney Anita Krian explains, “You have to prove that you have a number of major, verifiable accomplishments at the highest level in your field. It’s not enough to be famous or rich; you have to have clear evidence that you’re among the best in the world at what you do.”
This poses potential problems for Harry. Since leaving the royal fold, his professional pursuits have mostly consisted of lucrative media and publishing deals, including a multimillion-dollar deal with Netflix and the publication of his controversial memoir, Spare. While these ventures have made him wealthy, it’s questionable whether they meet the extraordinary abilities required for an O-1 visa. Kam Ricki notes, “When you look at Harry’s work after his royal reign, it’s mostly been classic celebrity business deals. It’s a far cry from the groundbreaking, award-winning contributions you typically see from O-1 visa holders.”
If the Department of Homeland Security investigation concludes that Harry’s visa was obtained through misrepresentation, the consequences could be dire. Not only would his O-1 status be revoked, but it could also jeopardize his ongoing green card application, putting his entire future in the United States at risk. Krian explains, “If the O-1 is denied, that automatically voids his green card application.” Without a green card, Harry risks being deported to the United Kingdom or even expelled from the country.
The idea of Harry being forced to return to Britain with his tail between his legs is a delicious irony that would no doubt delight many of his detractors. After all, the prince has been an outspoken critic of the monarchy and has made several damning statements about his time in the royal family. The idea of him having to return home in disgrace would likely be appreciated by those still loyal to the Queen and the institution he has abandoned.
For Harry and Meghan, the stakes go far beyond mere humiliation. Their lavish Montecito estate, valued at more than $14 million, would almost certainly be lost if Harry were deported, as it is tied to his visa status. Forced to return to the U.K. with their young children, Archie and Lilibet, the couple would have to start over. Their California dreams would be reduced to ashes, a sobering thought for a couple who have so publicly and openly turned their backs on the royal family.
Despite their bold declarations of independence and liberation, Harry and Meghan may find themselves trapped once again, this time at the mercy of US immigration authorities rather than the stuffy Windsor clan. It is important to note that the Department of Homeland Security investigation is still ongoing and nothing has been conclusively proven regarding the legitimacy of Harry’s visa. The prince’s legal team has vehemently denied any wrongdoing and may well be able to successfully defend his immigration status. However, the mere possibility of deportation has already cast a dark cloud over the couple’s American adventure. Their meticulously curated image as philanthropists and global thought leaders has been tarnished, with critics pointing to the potential hypocrisy and sense of entitlement underlying their grand plans.
For Harry and Meghan, this unwelcome intrusion of legal and bureaucratic realities must feel like a cruel betrayal of their carefully crafted vision. Their declaration of independence could well be undone by the very system they sought to escape. As the Homeland Security investigation continues, the world waits with bated breath to see whether the prince’s American dream survives. For now, the future remains uncertain—a precarious tightrope walk that could end in triumph or utter disaster for the embattled royal renegades. One thing is clear: the consequences of this saga will be
