After stepping down as senior royals, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have left Canada to pursue a life in California. Here’s why Harry has put his application for US citizenship on hold.
For the time being, according to a royal source quoted in the Times, Prince Harry will not apply for a green card or citizenship in the United States like his wife Meghan Markle. After completing their final engagements two years ago, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex stepped down from their roles as senior royals.
Despite his marriage to Meghan and his status as a Prince, the Duke of Sussex will have to go through the same process as regular people to obtain citizenship.
It’s also unclear whether the royal couple will abandon their plans to live in Canada entirely or will split their time between Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Harry’s status as the husband of a US citizen would certainly make it easier for him to obtain permanent residency, but it would not grant him any benefits.
“The Duke has not applied for dual citizenship, and I don’t think he will apply for a green card at any point,” a royal source told the Times.
Angela Mollard, a royal expert, has added to the speculation that the move isn’t permanent.
“I think what’s really interesting is that we don’t know about Harry’s eligibility for staying in the US,” she said on New Idea’s ROYALS podcast.
“Obviously, he hasn’t applied for citizenship, and if he did, becoming a US citizen would have tax implications in that country.”
“There’s still a lot that needs to be talked about and untangled.”
An application for US citizenship would require the Prince to renounce his titles and expose him to US taxation on his worldwide earnings, including those earned in the United Kingdom.
It’s unclear whether he entered the United States under the 90-day tourist visa waiver program that most Britons are eligible for, or whether he has a diplomatic or other special visa.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s plan to launch themselves in America has been put on hold due to the coronavirus pandemic, but the royal couple has revealed the name of their new charity initiative.
Archewell will take the place of their Sussex Royal moniker, which the Queen forbade them from using after they announced their decision to leave royal duties earlier this month.
Despite the problems that COVID-19 is causing in the area, the couple has left their home in Canada for the California sun.
Meghan and Prince Harry relocated to be closer to Meghan’s mother, Doria Ragland.
The couple is believed to be renting a home in California while looking for a more permanent family home for their 11-month-old son, Archie Harrison.
Regardless of the move, the couple has expressed their unwavering support for the United Kingdom.
Last week, the couple announced a £90,000 donation to a UK hunger charity to help with the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
The money will come from Feeding Britain’s profits from their 2018 wedding broadcast.
The charity assists those in need in the United Kingdom by providing food and other essential survival items.
“The generous support we have received from Prince Harry and Meghan will, thank God, sustain our emergency response to coronavirus, which is extending a layer of protection to tens of thousands of families,” the organization’s national director, Andrew Forsey, told Fox News.
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry treat Lilibet to incredible birthday cake – see photo
“The main goal of that response is to provide nutritious meals to families on a regular basis – breakfast, lunch, and dinner – so that no child goes to bed hungry.”
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have informed the UK tabloid press that their cooperation with them will come to an end today.
A representative said the move was made due to “distorted, false, or invasive” stories in a letter to editors of all Sun, Mirror, Mail, and Express titles and websites.
They refused to “offer themselves up as currency for an economy of click bait and distortion,” according to Harry and Meghan.
If for some reason Dave and I don’t move forward as a couple…I’m moving to England with 2 of my kids, and will relinquish my US citizenship. If I Dave and I do move forward as a couple, I’m sure he’s going to want to be in the same country as Archie and Sophia “Lilibet”. Therefore, I don’t want Harry to give up his UK citizenship…at least not before the dust settles.