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Prince Harry looks set to be able to keep his US visa despite writing about taking drugs – an admission that can often see Britons banned from entering America.
The Duke admitted in his autobiography Spare that in 2002 he had “taken cocaine” during a shooting weekend.
He added this was not a one-off and he had taken a “few lines” on other occasions, candidly describing his experience with the drug.
Under US law, foreign nationals who have admitted to taking drugs can be turned away at the border and refused a visa.
However, a lawyer at leading firm Laura Devine Immigration has told GB News that the admissions will not be enough to affect Prince Harry’s eligibility for a US visa.
Head of US immigration Christi Jackson said: “Anything that he has admitted to regarding drug use before the age of 18 should not affect his eligibility for a US visa.
“If he had admitted to drug use when he was over 18, in order for it to lead to visa ineligibility, the admission would have to have been a valid admission which means it cannot just be out in the news or written in their book.
“You have to show that the person has provided the definition and admitted to all essential elements of the crime while under oath.
“Making a statement in a book is not going to be considered a valid admission.”
She continued: “So who you’re admitting it to is what makes all the difference.
“A legally valid admission must be made under oath and recorded.
“If he had admitted to using drugs over the age of 18, that could have possibly led to visa complications if he had been then questioned by US Customs or Border Patrol.”
Prince Harry has also done a pre-recorded interview with ITV ahead of the release of his autobiography.
He addresses his drug use in the 60-minute sit down with journalist Tom Bradby.
Mr Bradby says: “There’s a fair amount of drugs. Marijuana, Magic Mushrooms, Cocaine. “I mean, that’s going to surprise people.”
Harry stated he feels it is “important to acknowledge”.
On his cocaine the Duke writes in Spare: “It did not make me feel as happy as it seemed to make others but it did make me feel different and that was my main goal. To feel. To be different”.
He adds: “I was a 17-year-old willing to try almost anything that would upset the established order.
“At least that was what I was trying to convince myself of.”
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