Donald Trump's win could majorly impact Harry and Meghan's life in the US
- Trump's victory raises questions on Harry's visa and Markle's business
- The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are no doubt feeling somewhat anxious
In a closely watched political contest, Donald Trump emerged victorious against Kamala Harris in the 2024 US Presidential Election. By securing Wisconsin, he surpassed the pivotal 270 electoral college votes needed for victory. As Trump pledged to "heal" the nation on November 6, 2024, attention turned to the potential implications for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, who reside in Montecito, California.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex might be feeling uneasy, given Trump's past comments on Harry's visa situation. Trump had previously indicated he would take "appropriate action" regarding the controversy over whether Harry and Meghan misrepresented recreational drug use on his visa application.
Harry's memoir and the visa controversy
Prince Harry's memoir, 'Spare,' released in January last year, sparked significant interest and controversy. In the book, Harry candidly admitted to experimenting with drugs, including cocaine and marijuana. He noted that cocaine "didn’t do anything for me," but described marijuana as having a different effect, saying, "that actually really did help me."
These revelations prompted the Washington-based conservative think tank, the Heritage Foundation, to question Harry's eligibility to enter the US in 2020. The organization filed a lawsuit against the Department for Homeland Security after their Freedom of Information Act request was denied, citing "immense public interest."
Despite these challenges, a court ruling in September maintained the confidentiality of Prince Harry's US visa application. US Judge Carl Nichols emphasized that "the public does not have a strong interest in disclosure of the Duke’s immigration records," highlighting Harry's legitimate privacy interests.
Life in California: Meghan's business ventures
Since stepping down as senior working royals in 2020, Harry and Meghan have settled into life in California. Initially residing in Tyler Perry's Los Angeles mansion, they eventually purchased a family home in Montecito. The couple welcomed their second child, Lilibet, in June 2021.
Meghan has been busy establishing her lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard. The brand, inspired by the colloquial name for Santa Barbara, aims to offer a range of products, including jams, tableware, yoga accessories, and home goods. However, Meghan faced a setback when the US Patent and Trademark Office refused her trademark application, citing that the name is a "commonly used nickname" for the area.
The Office stated, "Registration is refused because the applied-for mark is primarily geographically descriptive," underscoring the challenge of securing exclusive rights to geographic names.
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Looking ahead
As Trump assumes the presidency once more, the Sussexes' future in the US may be influenced by his administration's policies. With ongoing interest in their personal and professional lives, Harry and Meghan continue to navigate their path in America.
