Who is The Heritage Foundation; the conservative think-thank involved in Harry’s US visa application case?

As Harry, Duke of Sussex, is set for what media commentators have called a “brutal” cross examination as he takes to the witness box at London’s High Court this morning, perhaps it may be good practice ahead of another potential court case - this time set to take place in the United States.

As earlier reported, the US visa application of Harry is now under scrutiny, as US think-tank The Heritage Foundation presses ahead with their freedom of information request regarding how the Duke filled it in. In particular, the topic of drug use and how Harry answered those questions, despite admitting to the use of cannabis, cocaine and magic mushrooms in his memoir, ‘Spare.’

A court hearing has been scheduled today in the United States - the same day that Harry is giving evidence and cross examined in London - with The Heritage Foundation seeking to unseal the royal's visa application. They argue that the application is of "immense public interest" and question why the US Government has refused to provide further information.

The US Government, by way of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), has not made immigration records relating to the 38-year-old royal's visa application public, despite requests from the Heritage Foundation. It is unclear why the government has withheld this information, but it is expected that the upcoming court hearing will shed light on the situation.

So who are The Heritage Foundation, and why are they getting involved in the life of Harry, Duke of Sussex, when they previously focused more on the bureaucratic law in the United States rather than the private lives of high-profile members of the public. Or in this case, a senior Royal.

Who is The Heritage Foundation?

The Heritage Foundation is a conservative think tank based in Washington, D.C., United States. It was founded on February 16, 1973, by Paul Weyrich, Edwin Feulner, and Joseph Coors, with the goal of advancing conservative activism and promoting public policies based on principles such as free enterprise, limited government, individual freedom, traditional American values, and a strong national defence.

The Heritage Foundation is known for its influential role in U.S. public policy making and is considered one of the most influential public policy organisations in the United States and the foundation's mission is to formulate and promote public policies that align with conservative principles and benefit all Americans. It focuses on providing innovative solutions through research, mobilising conservatives to work together, and training future leaders who will contribute to America's progress.

The foundation has been involved in numerous court cases before, but perhaps the recent, biggest case was "Heritage Foundation v. OSHA," regarding the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's interim final rule on COVID-19 vaccination and testing. The case was heard in the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit.

The Heritage Foundation hosted an event called "Scholars and Scribes," where they discussed and provided previews of important cases decided by the Supreme Court. This event covered the Supreme Court's 2020 term and the rulings on significant cases.