Prince Harry faces a fresh legal setback as a US judge has set a tight deadline over the disclosure of his visa documents.
Judge Carl J. Nichols has ordered the US Government to state by February 20 which legal documents related to the Duke of Sussex's visa case can be released.
The judge indicated he would then determine what materials can be provided to the Heritage Foundation, which brought the lawsuit.
The Heritage Foundation's lawsuit against the US Department of Homeland Security seeks to uncover whether the Duke lied about past drug use on his immigration papers.
Prince Harry suffers blow as US judge sets tight deadline in fresh setback
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The conservative think tank claims Harry either provided false information on his forms or received preferential treatment from Joe Biden's administration.
The potential disclosure of these documents could lead to embarrassing revelations for the Duke.
Judge Nichols had initially ruled last year that the records should remain private.
However, following a fresh challenge, the judge changed his position earlier this month, agreeing to release the "maximum amount possible" about how the 40-year-old Duke entered the US.
Prince Harry admitted to using illegal drugs in his memoir Spare PAThe legal developments come after former US President Donald Trump declared last weekend he would not deport the Duke of Sussex.
Trump delivered a sharp criticism of Meghan Markle, stating: "I'll leave him alone.
"He's got enough problems with his wife. She's terrible."
The controversy stems from Harry's public admissions about his past drug use in both his memoir "Spare" and his Netflix series.
Donald Trump launched attacks on Meghan Markle whilst saying he would not deport Prince Harry
ReutersLATEST ROYAL NEWS:
Prince Harry's sealed US visa documents could have 'explosive' consequences for the Duke
ReutersThe Duke of Sussex openly acknowledged taking cannabis, cocaine and magic mushrooms before relocating to California in 2020.
These revelations have fuelled the Heritage Foundation's interest in his immigration paperwork.
Such admissions could have implications for Prince Harry's visa application process.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex moved to the US in Canada after spending 18 months in the UK as a married couple.
