Prince Harry Might Lose His Royal Titles If He Becomes an American Citizen
An old U.S. law could require Prince Harry to forfeit all of his British titles if he becomes a U.S. citizen.

- Following their royal exit, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have reportedly moved to Los Angeles.
- If the couple settles permanently in the United States, it could have implications for Harry's royal titles.
- If Harry decides to apply for U.S. citizenship, he would be forced, under U.S. law, to renounce all foreign titles.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have officially retained their "HRH" titles, even though they've agreed not to use them anymore following their royal exit. Now that the Sussexes seem to have started the process of settling in Los Angeles, however, Harry's titles could be in jeopardy.
The issue would arise if Harry decides to apply for American citizenship. As The Sun points out, there's an American law that states anyone seeking naturalization must renounce any foreign titles. The relevant part of the law comes from 8 USC section 1448, subsection (b), which states:
"In case the person applying for naturalization has borne any hereditary title, or has been of any of the orders of nobility in any foreign state, the applicant shall in addition to complying with the requirements of subsection (a) of this section, make under oath in the same public ceremony in which the oath of allegiance is administered, an express renunciation of such title or order of nobility, and such renunciation shall be recorded as a part of such proceedings."
Interestingly enough, Meghan Markle is allowed to keep her titles, by U.S. law anyway. Although the Constitution prohibits the U.S. government from granting titles of nobility, it doesn't prohibit citizens from accepting titles from foreign governments. An amendment that would force citizens who accept foreign titles to renounce their U.S. citizenship was proposed, but never ratified.
Of course, since Meghan's royal titles are directly tied to Harry's, if he renounced his titles, hers would almost certainly go with them. Harry will only face these complications if he applies for citizenship, however. If he opts to maintain permanent resident status (more commonly known as obtaining a "green card"), he won't be under any obligation to renounce his royal titles and could still live in the U.S. indefinitely.
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
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
RELATED STORIES
Kayleigh Roberts is a freelance writer and editor with over 10 years of professional experience covering entertainment of all genres, from new movie and TV releases to nostalgia, and celebrity news. Her byline has appeared in Marie Claire, Cosmopolitan, ELLE, Harper’s Bazaar, The Atlantic, Allure, Entertainment Weekly, MTV, Bustle, Refinery29, Girls’ Life Magazine, Just Jared, and Tiger Beat, among other publications. She's a graduate of the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University.
-
Prince George Had a Six-Word Message for Prince William to Pass Along to a TV Star During a Recent Royal Engagement
The 11-year-old called the star of a popular U.K. series out.
By Kayleigh Roberts Published
-
Chase Sui Wonders Channels ‘90s Nostalgia at 'The Studio' Premiere
At 'The Studio' premiere, she channeled Gwyneth Paltrow’s '90s-era style with an archival Prada print once worn by the star.
By Lauren Tappan Published
-
Let Krysta Rodriguez Be Your Star
As the Broadway adaptation of the cult TV show 'Smash' opens, the only returning cast member delves into the new show.
By Leigh Scheps Published
-
Why Prince Harry Is So "Torn Apart" Over Resigning From His Charity
The Duke of Sussex co-founded Sentebale in honor of his mother in 2006.
By Lia Beck Published
-
Meghan Markle and Gwyneth Paltrow Open Up About Their "Rift" Over Pie
Expect a Goop x As Ever collab in three… two..
By Lia Beck Published
-
Meghan Markle Confirms Skinny Jeans Are Back by Finally Revealing Her Favorite Frame Denim
It's never been easier to dress like a duchess.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
New Prince Archie Photo Proves He Takes After Dad Prince Harry in Two Very Important Ways
Father and son have much more in common than their vibrant red hair.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Meghan Markle Shared a Rare Video Filmed by Prince Harry on Instagram
And she used her nickname for him in the shoutout she wrote in the video's caption.
By Kayleigh Roberts Published
-
Meghan Markle Sent a Handwritten Note to a Podcaster Who Said She Was "Scared" for the Royal Before Her Netflix Show Premiered
Mailing a handwritten note to reply to an Instagram comment might be the most Meghan Markle thing of all time.
By Kayleigh Roberts Published
-
Prince Harry’s Ex, Cressida Bonas, Is Launching a Podcast and Princess Eugenie Is Already Lined Up as a Guest
Other famous faces in the podcast's launch announcement video include Kate Winslet, Mary Berry, and Camilla Alves McConaughey.
By Kayleigh Roberts Published
-
Why Gwyneth Paltrow Supports Meghan Markle's Goop-style Reinvention Despite Not Knowing Her Personally
Book her for season 2 of 'With Love, Meghan' right now.
By Lia Beck Published