Prince Harry has listed the United States as his primary residence for the first time since breaking ties with the royal family in 2020, with documents indicating that his new country/state of residence is now the US as of June 29, 2023. This change comes after Harry and his wife, Meghan Markle, officially moved out of their UK residence on June 28, following their eviction from Frogmore Cottage by King Charles III. Despite this legal change, Harry expressed in December 2023 that he still considers the UK his home but felt compelled to move to the US due to safety concerns.
In addition to listing the US as his primary residence, Harry has expressed interest in obtaining American citizenship. However, this process might not be straightforward due to Harry’s past history of drug and alcohol use. In his memoir, “Spare,” Harry openly discussed his past drug use, including heavy drinking, cocaine use, smoking pot, and experimentation with psychedelics. While some legal experts suggest that his past admission could pose a risk to his visa status, others believe that as long as he does not face any legal issues related to drug or alcohol problems, Harry’s status in the US should not be significantly affected.
Another potential obstacle for Harry’s bid for American citizenship is whether he would have to renounce his royal titles. The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) requires applicants with hereditary titles or positions of nobility to renounce these titles in a public ceremony as part of the citizenship proceedings. This could be a challenge for Harry, who recently launched a new website focusing on his royal ties, implying that giving up his titles could be a dealbreaker for his citizenship application.
Despite listing the US as his primary residence and expressing interest in American citizenship, Prince Harry remains focused on maintaining ties to the UK for his children’s sake. He views the UK as central to their heritage and wants them to feel at home there, in addition to their current residence in the US. While Harry enjoys living on the West Coast and appreciates every day there, he still values the connections and history that the UK offers to his family.
The issue of Harry’s residency change and potential citizenship application may also include discussions with his father, King Charles III, during an upcoming visit to London. Harry’s decision to relocate to the US was driven by concerns about safety and security for himself and his family, leading him to seek a more permanent residence in the US. Despite this significant change, Harry maintains his connection to the UK, where he wants his children to feel safe and at home. His legal battle for taxpayer-funded security in the UK was unsuccessful, prompting his move to the US as a new primary residence.
While the process of obtaining American citizenship for Prince Harry may pose challenges due to his past drug use, legal considerations, and potential renunciation of royal titles, he remains committed to maintaining ties to both the US and the UK for the sake of his family. His decision to list the US as his primary residence and explore citizenship options reflects his desire for security and stability while also honoring his children’s heritage and connections to the UK. Harry’s journey towards obtaining American citizenship amidst legal and personal challenges underscores his commitment to creating a safe and welcoming environment for his family and navigating the complexities of his post-royal life.
