Court records pertaining to Prince Harry’s US visa have been released, but details of his “precise status” remain confidential to protect him from potential harassment.

Judge Carl Nichols granted access to the documents following a freedom of information (FoI) request from the Heritage Foundation, a conservative US thinktank. The Heritage Foundation had contended that Prince Harry might have concealed past drug use—considered in his memoir “Spare”—which could have been grounds for visa denial.

Prospective visa applicants are questioned about their current and past drug use, and admissions can lead to the denial of their applications. However, immigration officers are authorized to make a final determination on various factors.

The prince’s visa application was not made public, as it was argued that there was insufficient public interest to justify a full disclosure of his immigration history.

The documents clarified that revealing his immigration status could subject him to avoidable harm, such as harassment and unwanted media contact.

The Heritage Foundation did not demonstrate public interest, as defined by the FOIA, regarding the release of these records.

The plaintiffs had argued for disclosure to ascertain if any preferential treatment was given to the Duke when applying for the visa. However, their claims lacked substantial evidence of government misconduct.

Prince Harry acknowledged drug use in his memoir, “Spare.” He stated that he tried cocaine at 17, finding it unenjoyable, but marijuana provided some relief to his emotional state.

He described using marijuana at Eton and noted feeling a connection with a fox while under the influence. He also recounted a trip on magic mushrooms at a party at Courteney Cox’s Los Angeles home, where he experienced vivid hallucinations.

Harry and his wife, Meghan, moved to California in 2020 after initially staying in Canada, following their decision to step back as working royals and leave the United Kingdom.