But the issue took a new turn when it was revealed that another government agency—the Department of State, overseen by Marco Rubio—also holds documents concerning Harry’s visa. This disclosure came through a court filing by Jeanine Pirro, now a U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, as part of the Heritage Foundation’s ongoing civil case.

The “Golden Ticket”: A-1 Diplomatic Visa

At the center of speculation is the rare A-1 visa, often referred to as a “golden ticket.” This diplomatic document is issued at the State Department’s discretion to senior foreign royals and government leaders.

Immigration lawyer Melissa Chavin explained that Harry may have benefited from this arrangement throughout much of his life. “I would expect that Prince Harry had an A-1 visa every year of his life,” she told the Daily Mail.

She further explained that these visas are typically issued in five-year intervals: “Take his age and divide by five to figure out how many applications he has filed—or had filed on his behalf when underage. That would be about eight applications. Each visa is valid for multiple entries into the United States.”

What This Means Going Forward

While questions remain, the revelation that the Department of State holds relevant documents—and the possibility that Harry has long relied on the A-1 visa—offers the clearest explanation yet for how the Duke has been able to reside in the US despite controversy over his admissions of drug use.

The saga underscores how unique Harry’s position is: not just as a high-profile royal, but also as someone navigating American immigration law under exceptional circumstances.