A legal storm is brewing for the Duke of Sussex as a lawsuit linked to his memoir, “Spare,” raises questions about his U.S. visa application.

This complicated situation seems far from a quick resolution, with royal experts suggesting it could lead to a rather embarrassing predicament for the prince.

Since relocating to Montecito, California, from England in 2020, the Duke has been residing on a visa, reportedly living among relatives who are not U.S. citizens.

The controversy started gaining traction following the release of his memoir in January 2023, which revealed personal details about his life, including struggles with substance use.

The Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank, has initiated legal proceedings aimed at uncovering official records concerning the Duke’s visa status.

Allegations have surfaced that he may have misrepresented his history of drug use on his application, raising eyebrows about whether he received special treatment from U.S. authorities.

In his memoir, the Duke candidly discussed his experiences with drugs, including an incident where he reportedly visited actress Courteney Cox’s home to partake in magic mushrooms.

This admission adds another layer of complexity to his current legal troubles.

Royal expert Jenny Bond weighed in on the matter, stating that the Duke’s situation is indeed precarious.

Bond outlined three potential outcomes: either the Duke provided false information on his visa application, fabricated details in his book, or was granted leniency by American officials due to his status.

She predicts that whatever the outcome, it is likely to be less than flattering for him.

Despite the turmoil, Bond believes that both the Duke’s visa and reputation will ultimately withstand this challenging period, even if the resolution is uncomfortable.

However, she expressed concern that the Duke may have inadvertently boxed himself into a corner with his admissions.

The debate intensifies when considering the implications of drug use in the current climate.

Bond pointed out that if the Duke denied any drug use, it would be difficult to justify why his case should be treated differently, given the widespread nature of such issues.

Furthermore, Bond hopes the Duke won’t become a scapegoat simply because of his royal lineage, especially since he and his family appear to have found happiness and stability in their new life in California.

As the Duke navigates this legal labyrinth, he has also made public declarations regarding his intentions in the U.S., including his aspirations for global travel through initiatives like Travelist.

During a February 2024 interview, he discussed future visits to England and his relationship with King Charles III.

Interestingly, becoming an American citizen doesn’t seem to be at the top of his agenda.

In a candid moment on “Good Morning America,” he shared that while he has contemplated the idea, it is not currently a priority for him.

This situation highlights the intricate balance the Duke must maintain as he manages his public persona and personal choices.

With the stakes high and public interest piqued, only time will tell how this saga unfolds for the Duke of Sussex.