Why Is The Duchess Of Sussex Not Yet A Citizen Of The UK?
Meghan Markle, who married Prince Harry in May last year, and is nearing her first anniversary, is yet to become a UK citizen. The former-actress is still a US citizen, but when will that change?
Despite being married into the most important family in Britain, Meghan Markle is not a citizen of the UK. The former-actress was formerly based in Toronto, where her legal drama suits were filmed.
Meghan was born in Hollywood and grew up in the region of LA known for film and fame, so it comes as no surprise that she became an actress. But after marrying Prince Harry, Meghan moved to the UK full time.
It was said that Meghan Markle will become a UK citizen after marrying Prince Harry. But after nine months, the former-actress and UN advisor is yet to be given citizenship. Prince Harry’s communication’s secretary, Jason Knauf, said in December 2017 Meghan would be “compliant with immigration requirements at all times.”
“I can also say she intends to become a UK citizen and will go through the process of that, which some of you may know takes a number of years,” he added.
So what gives? The couple has already been happily married for nine months. What does one have to do to eventually become a UK citizen?
Firstly, Prince Harry brought Meghan to the UK on a Family Visa. This would have required Meghan to prove she and Harry had a combined income of £18,600 or that she had £16,000 in the bank – hardly a problem for this pair, with Harry a member of one of the world’s wealthiest families while Meghan is worth £3 million in her own right.
The application for the Family Visa would cost them around £1,464. Another rule states that the couple must get married within six months of entering the UK-which Meghan and Harry did if you hadn’t heard. It was kind of a big thing.
After living sometimes on the family visa, Meghan will then apply for indefinite leave to remain. She must live in the UK for five years before she can do this. And after all that is done, she can finally apply for citizenship.
The citizenship application costs £1,282. Bureaucracy and capitalism, such lovely things. The couple will also have to prove that their relationship is genuine, providing proof of their romance through text, emails, photographs of them together or flight tickets. That shouldn’t be hard for Harry and Meghan.