Prince Harry, 41, may be deliberately attempting to provoke President Donald Trump in hopes of being deported back to the United Kingdom, according to a royal expert who believes the Duke of Sussex’s recent public jabs at the president could be a calculated strategy to escape his California life.
Royal expert Hilary Fordwich shared her theory following two high-profile incidents in which Harry appeared to needle Trump. The first occurred during an appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, where Harry quipped about the United States, “I heard you elected a king.” The comment drew boos and groans from the audience.
Days later at a meeting in Santa Monica, California, Harry took another apparent swipe at Trump’s immigration policies. While discussing soccer teams participating in the World Cup in Los Angeles, he remarked about welcoming more Brits from across the pond, provided they behave and make it through customs and past Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
“If Harry’s home life is as unpleasant as we’ve seen, this may be a deliberate attempt to get deported,” Fordwich told Globe Magazine. “It’s entirely possible.”
The comments come as Harry faces ongoing scrutiny over his immigration status in the United States. The Heritage Foundation sued the Department of Homeland Security after the agency refused a Freedom of Information request for Harry’s visa records, claiming the Duke may have lied about drug use on his immigration paperwork.
In his memoir, Harry admitted using cannabis, cocaine and magic mushrooms. Such admissions typically complicate visa applications, as drug use can result in denial of entry or additional questioning.
On March 18, 2025, a Washington court released heavily redacted visa documents. Judge Carl Nichols ordered the documents unsealed but approved extensive redactions to protect Harry’s privacy and prevent harassment.
The released documents included a declaration from a Department of Homeland Security official who stated that Harry received no special treatment. The agency determined Harry’s application followed all applicable rules and regulations.
In February, Trump appeared to offer Harry a reprieve while simultaneously attacking Meghan Markle, 44. “I’ll leave him alone,” Trump said. “He’s got enough problems with his wife. She’s terrible.”
Harry and Meghan left their royal duties in 2020 and relocated to Montecito, California, with their two children, Prince Archie, 6, and Princess Lilibet, 4. The couple cited unbearable media intrusions and lack of palace support as reasons for their departure.
Royal watchers have noted the couple appears to be pursuing increasingly separate professional paths. While Meghan focuses on her projects, Harry has been working to secure security protections in the United Kingdom.
Harry lost a security appeal in May after challenging the U.K. government’s decision to strip him of publicly funded protection.
However, the Home Office is now conducting a security risk assessment following months of negotiations with King Charles. RAVEC is reviewing Harry’s threat level for the first time since 2020 after Harry wrote privately to home secretary Shabana Mahmood requesting the evaluation.
The security review could potentially clear a path for Harry to return to the United Kingdom with his children. Fordwich noted the development represents a significant shift in Harry’s case trajectory, suggesting the door might be opening for a family reunion on British soil.
Yet Harry’s relationship with his father remains strained. King Charles is reportedly not answering Harry’s calls or letters, according to palace sources.
Royal observers have suggested Charles may be avoiding Harry to prevent becoming entangled in the legal proceedings. Any seemingly innocuous comment from the king could potentially surface in court documents, complicating both the case and their already fragile relationship.
Harry hinted during his recent court appearance that discovery in his security case revealed disturbing truths about his royal exit and how the decision to remove his protection was made. He believes stripping his security was an attempt by the palace to force him and Meghan to remain as working royals.
Meanwhile, Fordwich and other royal observers continue to monitor whether Harry’s apparent provocations of Trump represent genuine political commentary or a more strategic play to engineer his return to British soil, with or without Meghan.
As the Duke of Sussex navigates his complicated relationship with both American immigration authorities and his own family across the Atlantic, questions remain about whether reconciliation with his father or a permanent return to the United Kingdom remains possible for Harry and his young family.