
The news is out: Baby Sussex has officially arrived! (opens in new tab) Perhaps you've taken a break from screaming and/or crying hysterically (hey, no judgment) to attempt find out everything you'd need to know (opens in new tab) about the newest royal baby. What's his name (opens in new tab)? Where was he born? Will he have a title (opens in new tab)? Who are his godparents?
Well, all will be revealed in due time—the Duke and Duchess are stepping out of the limelight and taking their time to get to know their son—but until then, we can definitely answer one question right off the bat: Is Baby Sussex a dual-citizen?
Prince Harry was obviously born in the United Kingdom, and Meghan was born in the United States (Los Angeles, California to be exact), so the short answer is yes—Baby Sussex currently holds both American and British citizenship. However, things get a little more complicated when we start getting into technicalities. Per the US Department of State (opens in new tab), a baby born outside the United States to one American parent can acquire US citizenship if the American parent has been present in the country prior to the birth for at least five years. Meghan has been residing in the United Kingdom since she and Harry got married in 2018, only visiting home for special occasions like her star-studded baby shower (opens in new tab) in New York earlier this year.
Meghan in New York
Complicating that further is the possibility of the Duchess pursuing British citizenship. Harry's communications secretary Jason Knauf told the BBC (opens in new tab) back in 2017 that Meghan intended to start the process of attaining legal British citizenship, but that process (opens in new tab) usually takes awhile; you can only apply for UK citizenship after 5 years of residence if you have been a permanent resident for 12 months. In Meghan's case, the time is a bit shorter because spouses of UK citizens can apply after 3 years of residence in the country. The length of naturalization does vary per situation, so Meghan could officially become a citizen sooner than later—she is part of the Royal Family after all.
Until then, Baby Sussex is as American as he is British. Can't wait to see how the little one grows up!
For more stories like this, including celebrity news, beauty and fashion advice, savvy political commentary, and fascinating features, sign up for the Marie Claire newsletter.
SUBSCRIBE HERE (opens in new tab)
RELATED STORIES
-
James Middleton Reveals That Sister Kate Went to Therapy with Him
The third Middleton child, Pippa, also attended therapy to support her brother.
By Rachel Burchfield
-
Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis Are Banned from Doing This at Home
It’s a non-negotiable in the Wales’ house.
By Rachel Burchfield
-
Princess Diana’s Personal Letters to Friends During Her Divorce Are Being Auctioned for Charity
The 32-letter collection is both “astonishing” and “confidential.”
By Rachel Burchfield
-
Princess Kate Is a "Textbook Capricorn," Astrologer Says
Can relate.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Royals Probably "Laughed" About Kim Kardashian Buying Princess Diana's Necklace, Expert Claims
It's probably not a big deal to them.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Are Likely "Shocked" by the "Negative Pushback" Over 'Spare,' Royal Expert Says
They thought it would be more like the aftermath of Oprah.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Princess Diana Didn't Want to Move Away From England, Her Former Butler Claims
Obviously, we can't ever really know the truth.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
King Charles Will Not Hold "Peace Talks" With Harry and Meghan Before the Coronation, Royal Expert Claims
Oh.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Princess Diana's Butler Responds to Prince Harry Referring to Him as "The Butler" in 'Spare'
Paul Burrell says he's confused and hurt.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Princess Eugenie's New Baby Will Allow the Royal Family to "Put Behind Them a Year of Sorrow and Conflict," Astrologer Says
All good things!
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Prince Harry "Should Have Been Prince William's Wingman," Has Become His "Hitman" Instead, Royal Expert Says
That doesn't sound good.
By Iris Goldsztajn