Sally Reed
Prince Harry is officially a California resident now. The British royal packed up his castle and moved across the pond with his wife, Meghan Markle, in 2020, trading in his princely title for a swanky Montecito villa.
But he’s only just made it officially official by filing paperwork confirming he’s a bonafide American resident. Talk about a major lifestyle swap – no more starchily formal royal duties for this guy. Harry’s loving the laidback SoCal scene these days, chilling with the stars and living that celeb life.
Prince Harry Confirms He’s a U.S. Resident
In paperwork filed this week, Prince Harry confirmed that he is “usually resident” in the United States, underscoring how he has put an ocean between himself and the royal family in Britain.
After Harry and Meghan stepped back from their royal duties in 2020, they relocated to a sprawling estate in Montecito, California.
Questions Over Status
The news raises questions about Harry’s status in Britain. As the son of the reigning monarch, he remains a counselor of state, meaning he can carry out official duties on behalf of the King if needed.
However, the palace has clarified that only working royals will be called upon to fill that role. Harry’s decision to become a U.S. resident further severs his connection to that position.
Criticism from Conservatives
The Heritage Foundation, a right-leaning think tank, has sued the Department of Homeland Security to obtain records of how Harry obtained his U.S. visa, arguing that his admitted past drug use should have disqualified him.
However, others argue that as the spouse of an American citizen, Meghan, Harry was entitled to become a resident.
Harry and Meghan’s Move to California
Since their wedding in 2018, the couple has struggled with intense media scrutiny and a lack of privacy in Britain.
The move across the pond allowed Harry and Meghan to escape the constant spotlight and criticism they endured as senior working royals.
Pursuing Financial Independence
The transatlantic move also allowed the couple to pursue financial independence. Harry and Meghan inked lucrative deals with streaming giants Netflix and Spotify to produce inspirational content.
The deals are estimated to be worth over $100 million and allow the couple to earn an income while still focusing on issues they care about, such as racial justice, gender equity, environmentalism, and mental health.
Raising Archie and Lilibet
Most importantly, Harry and Meghan’s move to California has allowed them to raise their young children, Archie and Lilibet, away from the spotlight.
In Montecito, Archie and Lilibet can have a normal upbringing, attending neighborhood preschool, playing in the park, and inviting friends for playdates without media intrusion.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex Step Back From Royal Duties
Prince Harry and Meghan have officially stepped back from their royal duties. According to paperwork filed this week, Harry is now considered a resident of the United States.
The idyllic setting and privacy the secluded neighborhood provides is a stark contrast to their lives as senior working royals at Kensington Palace.
Continued Criticism of The Royal Family
His repeated public criticisms of the royal family, especially in the recent Netflix documentary and his memoir “Spare,” have damaged his connections to his father, King Charles III, and brother, Prince William.
Though Harry is still fifth in line to the throne, the crown has made it clear only working royals will act as counselors of state in place of the monarch.
Harry’s Estrangement From the British Royal Family
According to sources, Harry’s father, King Charles III, has found his son’s public criticisms of the royal family and airing of private family matters distressing.
Harry has accused his family of unconscious racism, claimed his father cut him off financially, and said his brother William bullied him out of the royal family.
Implications for Harry’s Role as Counselor of State
As a counselor of state, Prince Harry is one of the designated royals who can temporarily assume the monarch’s official duties if King Charles III is unavailable.
According to royal experts, Harry’s relocation across the Atlantic makes it difficult for him to carry out the responsibilities of a counselor.
Questions of Allegiance
Ever since the Sussexes relocated to America, their commercial deals and public criticism of the royal family have led to accusations that they are exploiting their royal status for financial gain.
Harry’s loyalty and duty to the monarchy could be scrutinized if he were called to act as regent.
Harry Trades British Castle for California Villa
Although Harry and Meghan, also known as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, have settled into their Montecito mansion where they’re raising their son and daughter, Harry’s U.S. residency status is now being scrutinized.
Though he’s traded his British castle for a California villa, the prince appears happy in his new home with Meghan. He seems focused on using his platform to promote social change and environmentalism.
East or West Home is Best
While Harry’s residency confirms his physical absence from royal life, his heart remains with the British people. “The U.K. is and always will be his home,” a spokesperson said.
Though an ocean now separates them, Harry’s close bond with his grandmother, the Queen, father, the King, and brother, Prince William, endures.
A Relaxed Way of Life
Harry has put down roots across the pond, but his royal ties remain complex. The recent filing confirms his physical relocation, but his position in the royal line of succession is unchanged.
While no longer a working royal, he retains the title and responsibilities of a counselor of state. However, Parliament has indicated that only active royals will fill that role.
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