Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s daughter is likely to possess dual British and American citizenship

Will Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s daughter be British or American? Lilibet ‘Lili’ Diana Mountbatten-Windsor is likely to possess dual citizenship like big brother Archie

  • Duke and Duchess of Sussex welcomed their new addition on Friday, June 4
  • Child will likely have dual British and American citizenship due to their parents
  • Harry born in the UK meaning his offspring entitled to UK citizenship; the same rule applies for Meghan who was born in the US

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s new baby girl is likely to possess dual citizenship – just like big brother Archie.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex welcomed their new addition on Friday, June 4 at 11.40am, with Lilibet ‘Lili’ Diana Mountbatten-Windsor weighing 7lbs 11oz.

Following the couple stepping down as senior royals, they announced the news in their own statement, shared on the Archwell Foundation website and not through the official channels of the Royal family, in a departure from the announcement of her brother Archie in 2018, in a post written in American English.  

Given Meghan, 39, is an American, having been born in California, her children are automatically entitled to citizenship in the US.

The same goes for Harry, who was born in the UK and is thereby a British citizen. Under British law, citizenship can be passed down one generation, so Harry’s children are eligible to inherit that status.

Given Meghan, 39, is an American, having been born in California, her children are automatically entitled to citizenship in the US. The same goes for Harry, who was born in the UK and is thereby a British citizen

Given Meghan, 39, is an American, having been born in California, her children are automatically entitled to citizenship in the US. The same goes for Harry, who was born in the UK and is thereby a British citizen

Unlike his sister, Harry and Meghan’s son Archie, two, was born in the UK – at the Portland Hospital in London – but both children possess dual British and American citizenship. 

When the couple married in 2018, it was announced that Meghan intended to become a British citizen, however it can take several years.

It’s believed that the Sussexes chose to step down as senior royals and move across the pond before the process was complete; it’s unclear whether they are continuing to see it through now that they’ve settled in Montecito.

It appears that Meghan remains an American citizen; she voted in the presidential election last year – making her the first member of the British Royal Family to do so.

When the couple married in 2018, it was announced that Meghan intended to become a British citizen, however it can take several years and it's unknown whether they continued with the process after relocating to the US (pictured with Archie)

When the couple married in 2018, it was announced that Meghan intended to become a British citizen, however it can take several years and it’s unknown whether they continued with the process after relocating to the US (pictured with Archie)

When Harry moved to the US last year, sources told the Times that he didn’t intend on applying for a green card or dual citizenship ‘in the foreseeable future’.

If Harry applied for US citizenship, it would require him to renounce his titles and expose him to US taxation on his earnings worldwide, according to the Immigration and Nationalization Act.

It’s not known whether he has a diplomatic or other special visa; it’s highly unlikely he has a tourist visa because that would forbid him from working. 

His wealth – previously estimated to be around £30million – may qualify him for visas available to entrepreneurs willing to invest in America. Another option is the O-1 visa for ‘individuals with extraordinary ability or achievement’.

Unlike his sister, Harry and Meghan's son Archie, two, was born in the UK - at the Portland Hospital in London - but both children possess dual British and American citizenship

Unlike his sister, Harry and Meghan’s son Archie, two, was born in the UK – at the Portland Hospital in London – but both children possess dual British and American citizenship

In order to be granted a O-1 visa, Harry must be sponsored by an organisation that plans to work with him and can identify the areas where he excels – most likely his philanthropic endeavours. 

It’s usually approved for three years, and renewed every year after that.

The Sussex children aren’t the first royals with dual citizenship. Peter Phillips’ estranged wife Autumn is Canadian, and retained her citizenship when they married in 2008.

Their daughters Savannah and Isla have Canadian and UK citizenship. 

Read more at DailyMail.co.uk