Are Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s second child an American or British citizen?
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle confirmed their second pregnancy on Valentine’s Day. As fans and supporters continue to celebrate with the Sussexes and the British Royals, some are wondering about the child’s citizenship.
This is assuming that the Duchess of Sussex will give birth in the United States. Accordingly, several individuals now discuss if the baby will be an American or British citizen.
Cheat Sheet recently released a report about the matter. Based on the law and guidelines of the United Kingdom’s government, the second Sussex child will be a British citizen.
Prince Harry’s British citizenship
The publication explained that the child will be a British citizen because Prince Harry is one. Government guidelines state that “British citizenship is normally automatically passed down one generation to children.” Hence, despite not being born in the United Kingdom, the second Sussex child will inherit the royal-born Prince’s natural citizenship.
The Daily Express also released a similar piece, sharing the details of the guidelines. As emphasized, a child is automatically a British citizen, despite being born outside the U.K., if the following applies:
First, the child was born on or after July 1, 2006. Second, the parents, or one of the two, were British citizens the moment the child arrives. Third, one or two of the British parents could pass their natural citizenship to the baby.
Meghan Markle and her American citizenship
While the earlier report claimed that Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s second child would be a British citizen, it did not clarify whether the baby will also be an American citizen. This should be considered given that the former Suits actress is an American who was born and raised in the United States. Moreover, the Duchess of Sussex will likely give birth to the child in the same country.
People, accordingly, reported that the second Sussex baby would be an American, as well. As explained, American citizenship automatically applies to a child born from one or two American parents.
This is regardless of the location or country of birth of the baby. But, it is worth noting that this will only take effect if the American parent lived in the U.S. for five years prior to the child’s birth.
Archie Harrison’s dual citizenship
Similar to his incoming brother or sister, Archie Harrison is also a dual citizen in both the United Kingdom and the United States. Some reports even said that he could “technically” become a U.S. President in the future.
The only difference, though, is when Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s two children have kids of their own. Archie’s future children will automatically become British citizens because he was born in the United Kingdom.
Featured image courtesy of The Royal Family/YouTube