Prince Harry has openly expressed the possibility of applying for U.S. citizenship.
However, such a move would entail several significant renunciations and challenges for the Duke of Sussex, putting his royal privileges and titles at risk.
What privileges would Prince Harry lose by applying for U.S. citizenship?
The path to U.S. citizenship would not be an easy one for Prince Harry.
According to the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service, any applicant with a hereditary title or position of nobility in a foreign country must renounce that title or position in a public manner.
This means that the prince would have to officially relinquish his royal title in a public ceremony unless he is granted honorary citizenship, which is rare.
In addition to relinquishing his title, Prince Harry would face other challenges.
One is the extensive medical screening that applicants for citizenship undergo, where their history of substance abuse is reviewed.
The Duke of Sussex has admitted to drug use in the past, which could be a significant hurdle in the process.
Another controversial aspect is the position of former President Donald Trump, who is now running for president again, has threatened to take “appropriate action” to deport Prince Harry if he applies for U.S. citizenship.
Trump has harshly criticized Harry’s attitude towards Queen Elizabeth II, considering him an “unforgivable traitor.”
While Prince Harry has described his life in California as “incredible,” the decision to apply for U.S. citizenship would be no simple task.
It would involve renouncing his royal title, facing extensive scrutiny of his background and potentially dealing with opposition from influential political figures.
The path to U.S. citizenship for Prince Harry would be fraught with significant obstacles and sacrifices.