Prince Harry and Meghan Markle risk losing £12m Montecito pad in latest ’embarrassment’
Prince Harry has publicly admitted to past drug use, leading to questions over whether this was admitted on his US visa application forms.
Harry and Meghan relocated to California after stepping down as senior royals in 2020. (Image: Getty)
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are at risk of possibly losing their £12 million mansion in Montecito, California as the legal row surrounding the Duke of Sussex’s US visa rumbles on.
Last year, conservative think tank Heritage Foundation launched a lawsuit demanding the Joe Biden administration make Harry’s US visa documents public, to show whether past drug use was disclosed.
The Prince publicly admitted past drug use in his January 2023 tell-all memoir Spare, leading to questions over whether this was admitted on his forms.
Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams told The Sun it could be a PR blow for the Prince.
He said: “The fact of the matter is that it will be very embarrassing, or may be very embarrassing.
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Harry has been open about his past drug use. (Image: Getty)
“Harry may have included drug use on his application form. If he hasn’t, it will unquestionably make headlines, and that will not be beneficial so far as the Sussexes are concerned.”
The royal expert said the Sussexes have set themselves up for being accused of holding a “double standard” after public criticisms of The Firm.
He added: “If you attack an institution, supporters of that institution, or those who believe that you’ve been very unwise and very foolish, believe that there are double standards.”
The Duke could face serious consequences – including being deported from the US. If it were to happen, he could be forced to leave the plush £12m mansion in Montecito, California he shares with Meghan Markle and their two children Archie and Lilibet.
The Sussexes sprawling Montecito estate. (Image: SANATABARBARASLUXURYHOMES.COM)
Drug use can result in non-immigrant and immigrant visa applications being rejected, though immigration officers can use discretion to make a final decision, taking into account a number of factors.
A judge in the US is currently reviewing the case, and a decision may take weeks.
The Department of Homeland Security has argued that this information should remain confidential and have said it will not be released while President Biden is in office.
A representative for the Sussexes has been approached for comment.