Prince Harry's visa files must be made public by Tuesday at the latest, following a ruling by Judge Carl Nichols.
The Washington judge has set a firm deadline for the release of documents that could reveal whether the Duke of Sussex was truthful on his US immigration paperwork.
Judge Nichols, who was appointed by Donald Trump, approved redactions proposed by the Department of Homeland Security, calling them "appropriate".
While it is not clear exactly what material will be released, the files could include forms indicating whether Harry answered "no" when asked if he was a drug user.
Prince Harry's visa files must be made public by Tuesday at the latest, following a ruling by Judge Carl Nichols.
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Lawyers for the Department of Homeland Security have previously stated that three items will be released with redactions, while a fourth must remain private.
The right-wing Heritage Foundation initiated the legal battle by suing the US Department of Homeland Security last year.
This followed the agency's refusal to grant a Freedom of Information request for Harry's immigration files.
The Heritage Foundation claims that Harry may have lied on his visa application forms in the section asking if he had been a drug user.
Harry openly discussed using cannabis, cocaine and magic mushrooms in his memoir.
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In his order, Judge Nichols stated: "The government has provided the court with its proposed redactions to the documents—those redactions appearing appropriate."
Harry openly discussed using cannabis, cocaine and magic mushrooms in his memoir.
These admissions are at the heart of the Heritage Foundation's case.
The foundation argues that such confessions contradict what Harry may have declared on his immigration paperwork when entering the United States.
The release of the visa documents could potentially confirm whether there is a discrepancy between Harry's public admissions and his official declarations.
The potential consequences for Harry could have been serious if he is found to have lied on immigration forms.
However, President Trump recently stated he would not order the Duke's deportation.
Trump also took a swipe at Meghan Markle in the process, calling her "terrible".
The US President added that he was only giving Harry a break because "he's got enough problems with his wife".
The comment suggests Harry's residency is unlikely to be threatened regardless of what the files reveal.
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The US President added that he was only giving Harry a break because "he's got enough problems with his wife".
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In September, Judge Nichols initially refused Heritage's request to release all documents, citing Harry's right to privacy.
He later reconsidered after a hearing, stating he wanted to reveal "as much as he could".
"In my view that has to happen", the judge said, adding he wanted to make the "maximum amount" of material public.
Judge Nichols did specify he did not want to reveal Harry's immigration status, suggesting some files may contain heavy redactions.
DHS previously described the records as "particularly sensitive" as they would "reveal Harry's status in the United States".
