Now that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are back in the USA, the former senior royal is said to be exploring the multitude of options that are available to him. Harry has mentioned being interested in carving out a path of his own in the US, and it looks like he's on track to do just that.
Per Cosmopolitan, The Telegraph has reported that it's likely Harry will be granted diplomatic status in the United States. This designation would allow him to apply for and to receive a green card in the country. Harry will need to be classified as a British diplomat to begin the process, but that should be a pretty easy thing to do as it's essentially what he is.
The process is lengthy, but given the vast pool of royal and celebrity connections that Harry has, it shouldn't be too hard. Meghan is still an American citizen, and Archie likely has dual citizenship in both Britain and the United States.
Of course, Harry will have to follow all the necessary steps as he applies for his green card. He has two options: He can ask for letters of recommendation from US citizens he has worked with, or he can apply through marriage. Both are viable options for Harry. If he decides to apply through marriage, there are a few additional requirements.
Most notably, Harry, like everyone who applies for US citizenship through a spouse, will need to prove that his marriage with Meghan is a real one. He'll do this by supplying evidence of joint finances, along with statements from friends. And then, if Harry wants to, he can apply to be a citizen of the United States three years after he receives his green card.
It's too soon to know if dual citizenship is something that Harry wants to explore, but it certainly makes sense for him to. It would be a lot easier for him to qualify for US citizenship considering his wife and son have it. While Meghan has taken many of the steps toward becoming a British citizen, having dual citizenship would be advantageous for both of them.
It seems that Harry and Meghan have always planned to move to North America, with a move to the US always a possibility. According to visa-assistance site Workpermit.com, a spokesperson for the pair said, "The move from Canada was planned for some time. They realised Canada would not work out for various reasons." So this makes it even more likely that dual citizenship may be in Harry's future.
It's possible that Harry would have to drop his title completely if he does pursue US citizenship. Immigration law researcher Matteo Carrera explained that Harry would probably apply for an A-1 visa, which is reserved for diplomats, but he would also need to declare an oath of allegiance.
Matteo went on to explain, "Should Prince Harry have been refused an A1 visa for US entry, he could have entered the country on a tourist visa and then apply for a green card, which would allow him to become a permanent resident in the US and work. However, switching from a tourist visa to a marriage based immigrant visa may be unlawful in many circumstances."
It also seems like Harry's status as a royal won't grant him any favors in the process, though, because the US Constitution was written by framers who actively rejected monarchy: "No Title of Nobility shall be granted by the United States: And no Person holding any Office of Profit or Trust under them, shall, without the Consent of the Congress, accept of any present, Emolument, Office, or Title, of any kind whatever, from any King, Prince, or foreign State."
Whatever they end up doing, many pairs of eyes are definitely on Harry and Meghan as they begin carving out new lives for themselves in California. One of the sweeter, and more immediate, details that has emerged is that the pair are also planning Archie's first birthday. As luck would have it, the little dude will get to have at least two parties.
US Weekly reports that Harry and Meghan are planning two parties: "one with family and friends for North American partygoers, and one in the U.K. for the royal family. Sounds like a pretty sweet deal for Archie – double presents and double the cake!"
Harry, Meghan, and Archie are also tentatively still planning to visit the royal family at Balmoral this summer. Harry and Meghan reportedly "talked to the Queen about having a picnic on the grounds" of the family's estate in honor of Archie's first birthday. The Queen is also said to be "very excited" about celebrating with the family.
