In a clear move last week, Prince Harry officially moved his main residence from the United Kingdom to the United States. The timing of the document's transformation was recorded as June 2023, coinciding with Harry and Meghan's move to the U.S. three years ago, marking an important step in their journey away from royal obligations.
According to British media on April 23, the change in residency status has sparked speculation about the evolution of Harry's ties to his birthplace and royal family.
In a recent interview with Good Morning America, when asked about his affinity to the United States and possible citizenship, Harry's answer was subtle and illustrative. Despite living in the United States, he admits that he doesn't feel like a typical American, revealing his mixed feelings about his new home.
Host Will Reeve asked, "Do you consider yourself American?"
Harry replied, "Do I consider myself an American?" and replied in one word, "No." ”
"I don't know how I feel," he added. The moderator then asked Harry what would prevent him from applying for U.S. citizenship.
He replied, "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. ”
Notably, the experts who conducted the legal analysis of the documents highlighted the absence of the term "permanent residence", which indicates that Harry has not yet received a green card, which is an important prerequisite for naturalization.
Charlotte Slocombe, an expert on U.S. immigration, said: "From a U.S. immigration perspective, 'residence' encompasses a range of visa categories and essentially means that he is not a tourist. ”
It did not provide any information on what type of visa he holds. The absence of 'permanent residence' seems to indicate that he does not actually hold a green card, which would be the first step to naturalization and becoming a U.S. citizen. ”
"Harry can maintain temporary U.S. immigration status indefinitely without becoming a permanent resident or U.S. citizen by holding an A-1 diplomatic visa or an O-1 extraordinary ability or achievement visa. ”
Commentators see the move as a decisive step for Harry in his quest for permanent residency in California, taking full advantage of the opportunities offered by the entertainment industry. Sean O'Grady, who writes for The Independent, highlighted the regret of Harry and Meghan leaving the UK, highlighting how attractive they once were in the public mind.
Looking to the future, speculation has been made about the couple's future path, and citizenship is a possible milestone. From a member of the royal family to a private citizen, as "Mr. and Mrs. Sussex," Harry's quest for U.S. citizenship could be a crucial step in fulfilling his promise to a new way of life.
Essentially, Prince Harry's move means more than just a change of address;