Is Baby Sussex a Dual Citizen?
He gets the best of both worlds.
The news is out: Baby Sussex has officially arrived! 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 about the newest royal baby. What's his name? Where was he born? Will he have a title? 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, 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 in New York earlier this year.
Complicating that further is the possibility of the Duchess pursuing British citizenship. Harry's communications secretary Jason Knauf told the BBC back in 2017 that Meghan intended to start the process of attaining legal British citizenship, but that process 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.
Stay In The Know
Marie Claire email subscribers get intel on fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more. Sign up here.
RELATED STORIES
Lagos-born and Houston-raised, Ineye Komonibo is a writer and editor with a love for all things culture. With an academic background in public relations and media theory, Ineye’s focus has always been on using her writing ability to foster discourse about the deep cyclical relationship between society and the media we engage with, ever-curious about who we are and what we do because of what we consume. Most recently, she put her cultural savvy to work as a culture critic for R29 Unbothered, covering everything from politics to social media thirst to the reverberations of colorism across the African diaspora.
-
Kaia Gerber and Cindy Crawford Medal in Mother-Daughter Olympic Matching
The pair touched down in Paris wearing coordinating navy looks.
By Julia Marzovilla Published
-
Prince Harry Reveals Royal Family Rift Was Worsened by Tabloids
"Yeah, that’s certainly a central piece to it."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Here's the Most 'Wicked' Twist on Olympics Opening Ceremony Style
Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande heard "Paris" but not "Olympics."
By Halie LeSavage Published
-
Royals, Paul McCartney, Nicola Coughlan, Salma Hayek... Was Taylor Swift's London Eras Tour Her Most Star-Studded Yet?
Imagine all the people........
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Kate Middleton Confirms She Will Attend Trooping the Colour in a Heartfelt Update on Her Cancer Treatment
"I am making good progress."
By Halie LeSavage Last updated
-
British Royal Lady Gabriella Windsor's Husband Has Died at 45
Lady Gabriella is King Charles' second cousin.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
George, Charlotte and Louis Will Be Laden With Gifts as Prince William Returns From New York
He was handed so many souvenirs for the little ones.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Prince William Makes Sure to "Treat George and Charlotte as Equals," Body Language Expert Says
I should hope so!
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Prince William Isn't "A Workaholic Like His Father," Royal Expert Claims
He's got more of a work-life balance.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Princess Kate's New "Signature" Gesture? The Stealthy "Bum Pat" to Prince William
Love this for her.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Prince Harry Says His "Spirit Is Renewed" as He Attends the Warrior Games for Wounded Service Members in San Diego
The Games inspired his Invictus concept.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published