In a four-year transition, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle begin a new chapter in their lives, moving away from the confines of the British royal family and instead immersing themselves in the glamour of California's celebrity circle.
They own a beautiful mansion in a picturesque enclave in Montecito, where they nurture their family, according to British media on April 22, while questions remain about whether Harry will return to the UK, especially at a time of family health crisis.
Severance of official relations
The recent revelation that Harry has officially switched from a resident of the United Kingdom to a resident of the United States marks an important watershed moment for him from his royal roots.
Notably, his ecotourism initiative, Travalyst, submitted a notice to the UK Registrar of Companies specifying that his new country of residence is the United States, highlighting a clear shift in his geographical affiliation.
This pivotal change dates back to June 29, 2023, coinciding with the date of abandonment of their previous UK residence, Frogmore Cottage, marking his symbolic separation from the UK.
Homeless people in the UK
The narrative of homelessness in Britain further highlights Harry's estrangement from his former homeland. After King Charles asked the Sussexes to move out of Floating Moore Villas, the couple did not look for another place to live in England.
It was a gift from the late Queen after they got married in 2018. A spokesman for the couple said at the time: "We can confirm that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have asked to move out of their residence at Floating Moore Cottage." ”
Conversely, Harry's recent visit to a temporary stay in a hotel or at a friend's house suggests that his ties to his homeland are waning.
In addition to a simple geographical relocation, changes in Harry's security arrangements and legal battles with the Home Office further illustrate his deep disagreement with royal powers. Despite his struggles to secure taxpayer-funded protections in the UK, Harry's failed attempts and subsequent appeal process highlight the deepening chasm between him and the institution he once represented.
"Not My Home"
Harry's change in identity and belonging is reflected in his consideration of becoming a U.S. citizen. Although initially ambiguous, in an interview on "Good Morning America," he admitted that he was considering such a shift, reflecting his gradual integration into the new American environment.
Harry's call to America as his current "home," coupled with his reflections on citizenship, marks a profound reflection on his sense of belonging.
Prince Harry has been taking legal action against the Home Office due to a decision by the Executive Committee for the Protection of the Royal Family and Public Figures (RAVEC) in February 2020 requiring him to receive varying levels of taxpayer-funded protections while at home.
The judge was told that Lavic's decision was the result of a change in "status" after the Duke ceased to be a "full-time member of the royal family". But Harry lost his legal case and is now taking the case directly to the Court of Appeals.
In January 2022, his legal representative said: "The UK will always be Prince Harry's home and the country he wants his wife and children to be safe. Due to the lack of police protection, the risk to the individual is too great. After nearly two years of Prince Harry's plea for British security, he hopes his petition will resolve the issue. ”
But just a few months later, the prince told NBC that America was his home. "Now, my home is temporarily in the United States," he said. It feels like it's true. We were welcomed with open arms and have such a great community in Santa Barbara. ”
U.S. citizenship
At the same time, Harry also revealed in an interview with the American TV breakfast show that he had considered becoming a full-fledged American citizen.
In February, in an interview with Good Morning America, host Will Reeve asked, "Do you think you're American?"
Harry replied, "Do I consider myself American? No...... I don't know how I feel. ”
The host then asked Harry what would prevent him from applying for U.S. citizenship. He replied, "I thought about it, but I don't know." I'm standing next to these people. U.S. citizenship is a thought that crosses my mind, but it's certainly not a priority right now. ”
As he moves forward in the United States with Meghan and their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, the world is watching with bated breath to witness the transformation of a prince into a global citizen.