Prince Harry, also known as the Duke of Sussex, found himself in a distressing and challenging situation in a United States court as he fought for his right to reside and work in the country he now considers his home.
The prince, who relinquished his royal responsibilities and relocated to California with his spouse Meghan Markle and their son Archie, made an attempt to secure a green card for permanent residency and work authorization in the U.S.
However, his application encountered obstacles and delays due to allegations of dishonesty regarding his past drug usage and allegations of leveraging his royal status.
In a gripping and emotional video acquired by the Daily Mail, Prince Harry is captured in a vulnerable state, shedding tears as he was stripped of his royal title by a judge who treated him like any other immigrant.
The footage, filmed by a court reporter, depicts Prince Harry’s arrival at the federal court in Washington, D.C., where he confronted a lawsuit from the Conservative Heritage Foundation, aiming to access his immigration records.
The foundation’s lawsuit, stemming from Prince Harry’s admission of using illicit substances in his memoir “Spare,” asserted that he had infringed upon immigration laws and had been granted preferential treatment due to his royal connections.
Accompanied by his legal counsel and a security team, Prince Harry appeared apprehensive and tense upon entering the courtroom, where he was met with a hostile and doubtful reception from Judge Robert Jones.
Notably, the judge, recognized for his stringent stance on immigration matters, declined to address Prince Harry by his royal titles, opting instead to refer to him as Mr. Windsor, his legal surname.
“Mr. Windsor, you are present to respond to inquiries regarding your immigration status and green card application, do you comprehend?”
inquired the judge.
“Yes, Your Honor,” affirmed Prince Harry.
The judge proceeded to question Prince Harry about his history of drug use, emphasizing the seriousness of such transgressions in the context of visa and green card eligibility.
Prince Harry acknowledged his past drug use but underscored his subsequent recovery and efforts to seek professional assistance.
Despite disclosing his drug use in his application forms and providing evidence of rehabilitation and societal contributions, Prince Harry faced scrutiny over potential discrepancies and inconsistencies in his records, prompting doubts about his credibility and intentions.
Acknowledging the absence of entitlement to special treatment due to his former royal status, Prince Harry expressed his plea for a fair and impartial evaluation of his case based on merit.
However, the judge, citing concerns raised by various entities including the British government, the royal family, and the American public, deemed Prince Harry’s green card application unsuitable amid an unfavorable climate towards immigrants from privileged backgrounds.
Consequently, the judge ruled to deny the green card application and ordered Prince Harry’s deportation from the U.S., allowing a 30-day window for appeal or voluntary departure.
Visibly stunned and distraught by the judge’s decision, Prince Harry attempted to appeal for mercy and understanding, highlighting his adherence to the law, tax compliance, service to his country, and sacrifices made for his family.
Expressing his attachment to his current life in the U.S., including his family and home, Prince Harry pleaded with the judge for compassion and recognition, yearning to be addressed by his royal title as a symbol of identity and belonging in the face of impending separation.