TalkTV has suggested that Prince Harry's US visa problems could be behind the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's decision to return to the UK. The claim comes after it was revealed that Prince Archie, seven, and Princess Lilibet, five, have been enrolled in British schools, with the family reportedly turning their backs on their Montecito homes.
Visa row cited as key factor
Speaking on TalkTV, foreign policy analyst Nile Gardiner told presenter Kevin O'Sullivan that the visa issue may have influenced the Sussexes' move. He said: "I do believe that this very important issue of Harry's immigration records has been an important factor in the background of the Sussexes' decision to leave the United States."
Gardiner, who is campaigning for the release of Harry's US immigration records, added: "It's one of several key factors that are in play, after all, this is a very sudden and surprising decision. Even the King did not know about it until last Sunday. Prince William was completely blindsided by this, and he's the future king and so this is an extraordinary decision taken by the Sussexes, and you have to ask why they have made this incredible decision."
State Department review continues
The comments follow reports that the US State Department has withheld an initial batch of 18 documents related to Harry's visa. According to Newsweek, the department is reviewing 307 documents totalling 2,487 pages, with none likely to be publicly released at the moment.
A joint status report, filed at the district court in DC and seen by Newsweek, read: "This case stems from a Freedom of Information Act (“FOIA”) request that Plaintiffs submitted to the Department for records regarding Henry Charles Albert David, also known as 'the Duke of Sussex' or 'Prince Harry'. The State Department made its first interim production in this case on July 30, 2026, in which it identified 18 responsive records, all withheld in their entirety."
Gardiner added: "I do think the visa issue is an important issue overall, in terms of the key factors involved in exit across the Atlantic."
