Reports have surfaced indicating that Prince Harry has officially renounced his British residency status and has obtained citizenship in another country. This decision has stirred upset and controversy throughout the UK. Documents filed with the UK government confirm that Prince Harry has informed officials of his decision to no longer reside permanently in the UK and has relinquished his permanent right to live in Britain. Unlike other members of the royal family who may live abroad temporarily, Harry can no longer reside permanently in his home country without permission from British authorities.
In addition to giving up his UK residency, it's reported that Harry has acquired citizenship in another country, although the specific nation has not been officially disclosed. Speculation points to the United States, where Harry now resides full-time with his wife, Meghan Markle, and their two children. The couple shocked the world two years ago by stepping back from their roles as senior working royals and relocating to California in pursuit of greater privacy and financial freedom.
Renouncing British citizenship and residency rights is an extraordinary and serious step, typically only taken by royals who have formally left the institution. This move means that unlike the agreement initially reached in 2020, Harry will no longer have the option to regularly visit the UK or take up an official role within the royal family without permission from the US government as an American citizen.
Sources close to the situation suggest that Harry took this step to fully integrate into life in California with his family and to symbolically sever ties with the UK system, which he and Meghan had increasingly felt restricted by in recent years. The decision was reportedly prompted by concerns over inadequate police protection during visits to Britain, leaving Harry hesitant to bring his children to the UK without suitable security.
Reactions to Harry's decision have ranged from shock to outrage within the palace and across the UK. Royal experts view this move as a final break from his life and identity as a senior working royal and British citizen, raising concerns about its impact on his future relationship with Queen Elizabeth II and other senior royals.
While critics see Harry's decision as a betrayal, supporters argue that it was necessary to protect his family from harassment. This move marks the end of Harry's lifelong dual identity and citizenship, leaving only his American nationality as he embarks on a new chapter outside of the royal framework.
