Meghan Markle makes tribute to Joe Biden amid uncertainty surrounding Prince Harry's US visa

Joe Biden and Meghan Markle

Meghan Markle makes tribute to Joe Biden amid uncertainty surrounding Prince Harry's US visa

Reuters
Dorothy Reddin

By Dorothy Reddin


Published: 16/08/2024

- 12:05

The Duke of Sussex faces a legal row over his immigration paperwork

Meghan Markle made a tribute to Joe Biden amid uncertainty surrounding Prince Harry's US visa.

The Duchess of Sussex wore a brown silk shirt designed by Victoria Beckham for a panel discussion in Colombia, where Harry and Meghan are currently visiting on a quasi-royal tour.


The Victoria Beckham shirt was previously worn by Meghan, 43, for a Time Magazine 2020 video encouraging US citizens to vote in the presidential election.

Appearing alongside her husband, Prince Harry, Meghan spoke about why it was imperative for those who could vote in the US to do so in that election.

Joe Biden and Meghan MarkleMeghan Markle makes tribute to Joe Biden amid uncertainty surrounding Prince Harry's US visaReuters

She said: “Every four years we are told the same thing, that this is the most important election of our lifetime.

“But this one is. When we vote, our values are put into action and our voices are heard. Your voice is a reminder that you matter, because you do and you deserve to be heard.”

Although the duchess did not mention Joe Biden by name, her comments were widely viewed as an endorsement of the then-Democratic nominee.

Before becoming a member of the Royal Family, Meghan criticised Donald Trump’s presidential run during a 2016 appearance on The Nightly Show with Larry Wilmore, calling the then-Republican nominee “misogynistic” and “divisive”.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle

Meghan Markle previously wore the Victoria Beckham shirt in a 2020 video encouraging US citizens to vote

Time

Meghan's subtle tribute to Biden during her Colombia tour comes amid uncertainty surrounding Prince Harry's US visa.

The Heritage Foundation, a Washington-based think tank, is in the process of suing the US Government for access to Prince Harry’s immigration records, stating that it is "a case about whether the Government provides special treatment for high profile celebrities".

The foundation was referring to the paperwork the duke filed when he landed in the US on March 14, 2020.

Most people arriving in the US must answer whether they have ever used recreational drugs.

Meghan Markle

Meghan Markle wore the shirt during a panel discussion in Colombia

Reuters

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle

Prince Harry applied for a visa when he moved to the US in 2020

Reuters

In his memoir, Spare, Prince Harry admitted to extensive use of cocaine, marijuana and magic mushrooms, and it remains unclear whether he declared this on his visa application.

The representing lawyer argued the duke’s immigration records should not be publicly released because of the "stigma of being mentioned in a law enforcement record".

A hearing was held on February 23 in Washington and a judge is currently deliberating the decision. If it emerges that Prince Harry lied on his immigration forms, he will likely be subjected to an official investigation.

Former President Donald Trump, currently the 2024 Republican nominee, has implied the duke could be deported if he becomes president again, saying: "If (Prince Harry) lied they’ll have to take appropriate action."

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