A royal expert has suggested the “real reason” why Prince Harry may be doubting becoming a US citizen – and it’s down to his title.
The Duke of Sussex admitted that he has considered becoming a US citizen following his move to Montecito, California in an interview with Good Morning America.
Having lived in the US for almost four years, some felt his pursuit of the citizenship was inevitable. But to obtain it, Harry would have to make a big sacrifice.
The US immigration policy states that “any applicant who has any titles of heredity or positions of nobility in any foreign state must renounce the title or the position.”
Ingrid Seward, editor of Majesty Magazine, clarified: “He would have to renounce his royal titles if he were to become an American citizen.”
Discussing the possibility of becoming a US citizen, host Will Reeve probed: “Do you feel American?”
To which Harry responded: “Do I feel American? No… I don’t know how I feel.”
The host then went on to ask Harry what would stop him from applying for American citizenship.
He replied: “I have considered it but I have no idea. I’m here standing next to these guys. The American citizenship is a thought that has crossed my mind, but certainly not something that is a priority for me right now.”
The US Citizen and Immigration Services (USCIS) also states individuals have to “expressly renounce the title in a public ceremony and USCIS must record the renunciation as part of the proceedings.”
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have faced countless calls to give up their titles since their move to the US in 2020.
Discussing his life in America, Harry said it has been “amazing”. When asked how he was enjoying his life in the US, he said: “It’s amazing. I love every single day.”
Harry also discussed his father’s health, following the news that King Charles had been diagnosed with cancer and was undergoing treatment.
In the interview with the US breakfast show, Harry said “I love my family” and that he was “grateful” to be able to spend time with his father after flying to the UK following the news.
In the interview it was suggested a family illness could have a “re-unifying effect”, and when Harry was asked “is that possibly in this case?” he replied: “Yeah, I’m sure”.
