Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding will take place at St George’s Chapel in the grounds of Windsor Castle in May because it is a place ‘close to the couple’s hearts’
Meghan Markle will still be a US citizen when she marries Prince Harry as she embarks on the three-year process to becoming a fully-fledged Briton.
Miss Markle, 36, who comes from Los Angeles, will go through the lengthy application process just like a normal citizen, despite plans to marry Harry, 33, in May at St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle.
Royal Sources are keen for the application process to be done ‘properly and officially’, meaning that the Suits star will not be able to cut corners.
Harry’s communication’s secretary Jason Knauf said Ms Markle, who has relocated to London from her home in Toronto, would be ‘compliant with immigration requirements at all times’.
He added: ‘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.
‘She will retain her US citizenship through that process.’
Mr Knauf would not comment on whether Ms Markle would retain her US citizenship and become a dual national in the future.
Having a British spouse does not entitle an individual to automatic citizenship.
But those who are married to or the civil partner of a British citizen can apply for citizenship if they are 18 or over, of sound mind and without a serious or recent criminal record, according to Home Office guidance.
Applicants must also prove they have a good knowledge of English and life in the UK, with most required to sit a test costing £50 which covers British values, traditions, history and everyday life.
They will also need to have been granted indefinite leave to stay in the UK – which requires an individual to have lived in the UK with their partner for several years – and meet other residency requirements.
Meghan Markle made her name playing Rachel Zane on the popular US legal drama, Suits
Miss Markle, alongside co-star Patrick J. Adams who plays Mike Ross,has given up her role on suits to live with Prince Harry
But while Miss Markle prepares for her new life in Britain, her full US citizenship is not the only thing she is being forced to give up.
The actress made her name is US legal drama Suits, to move to London and live with her Prince Charming.
Miss Markle starred as paralegal Rachel Zane in seven series of the popular show from 2011, before she quit last month.
While set in New York, Suits was filmed in Toronto and it is believed Miss Markle was finding it hard to juggle her relationship with Harry and her demanding schedule on the show.
Like her fiance, Miss Markle is devoted to her charity work and is a patron of organisations including World Vision Canada and One Young World.
Miss Markle with her two rescue dogs – a beagle, Guy, and Labrador-shepherd cross, Bogart
Miss Markle’s posted this picture on Instagram of her two dogs, Guy and Bogart, at her home in Toronto, Canada
She has also performed work focusing on gender for the United Nations.
However, a spokesman for Kensington Palace confirmed that Miss Markle would not be continuing her work with the UN or with other organisations, but instead will starting her charity work as a full-time royal afresh.
The actress’ move to London also saw her leave a friend behind, her beloved dog Bogart.
Miss Markle has two rescue dogs – a beagle, Guy, and Labrador-shepherd cross, Bogart – who she would keep in touch with via FaceTime during her long stints away.
Kensington Palace confirmed Guy has come to the UK and has legal permission to stay here, but Bogart has been left behind.
The Prince’s communication secretary Jason Knauf said: ‘Bogart is now living with friends.’
The Palace refused to speculate as to why Bogart was not brought to the UK and added the decision ‘would have lots of complexity to it’ while confirming Miss Markle remains ‘fond of her dogs’.