Prince Harry was spotted looking cheerful in California on Tuesday after the US federal government ruled he did not receive special treatment when applying for his visa.
The Duke of Sussex appeared relaxed whilst running errands in Santa Barbara, where he resides with his wife Meghan Markle.
The 40-year-old royal seemed unburdened following accusations that he had lied about his past drug use on his visa application.
His visible relief came after the Department of Homeland Security confirmed his application had followed all "applicable rules and regulations."
Prince Harry breaks cover as US ruling crushes deportation fears (stock photo)
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The ruling marks the end of a lawsuit brought by the right-wing Heritage Foundation against the federal agency.
The conservative group had sought to prove Harry lied in his application, which sparked speculation about his immigration status.
In an exclusive interview with GB News just hours after the files were released, the Heritage Foundation's Nile Gardiner said the group would "continue the fight" to unveil Prince Harry's official immigration documents.
The legal challenge had led to rumours that President Donald Trump might consider deporting the prince.
Prince Harry admitted he had taken illegal drugs in his 2023 memoirGettyHowever, the Department of Homeland Security's decision appears to have settled the matter regarding Harry's visa application process.
The documents released Tuesday contain extensive redactions to protect Harry's privacy and prevent him from being subjected to "harassment."
Despite the ruling, Harry's actual immigration file remains private and was not released to the public. The documents made available Tuesday feature page after page of blocked-out text.
These heavy redactions were implemented specifically to safeguard the Duke's privacy.
Prince Harry's visa records were made public on Tuesday
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The Heritage Foundation had pursued access to Harry's complete visa records as part of their legal challenge against the Department of Homeland Security.
Harry had spoken openly about using cannabis, cocaine and magic mushrooms in his memoir, "Spare", and in his Netflix series.
These public admissions raised questions about what he disclosed on his immigration forms when moving to the US in 2020.
Had the prince mentioned his drug use when applying for his visa, he could have been denied entry to the United States.
Prince Harry released Spare in January 2023PAAlternatively, he might have faced additional questioning from immigration officials.
The prince's candour about his past drug use in his published works contrasted with the secrecy surrounding his visa application.
The ruling appears to have resolved immediate concerns about Harry's immigration status in the United States.
The Duke can continue his life in California without the threat of deportation hanging over him.
