Did Meghan Markle Have To Become A British Citizen

Did Meghan Markle Have to Become a British Citizen?

When Meghan Markle, the American actress, became engaged to Prince Harry, questions arose regarding her citizenship and whether she would need to become a British citizen. Let's delve into this topic and find out more.

Background

Meghan Markle, born and raised in Los Angeles, California, was a United States citizen. She had a successful acting career, primarily known for her role in the TV series "Suits." In 2017, Meghan announced her engagement to Prince Harry, which brought her into the public eye in an entirely new way.

Becoming a British Citizen

As an American citizen, Meghan Markle was not required to become a British citizen upon marrying Prince Harry. The United Kingdom permits individuals to retain dual citizenship, allowing her to maintain her American citizenship while also becoming a member of the British royal family.

However, this doesn't mean Meghan Markle didn't go through any legal processes. In order to live in the United Kingdom with Prince Harry and have the option to apply for British citizenship in the future, she needed to apply for a specific visa - the "family visa" or "spouse visa."

By obtaining a family visa, Meghan became a British resident, granting her the right to reside in the UK with her husband. It is worth noting that the duration of this visa may vary, but it often leads to eligibility for indefinite leave to remain.

British Citizenship by Naturalization

Meghan Markle could potentially apply for British citizenship through naturalization at a future date. Living in the UK as a British resident for a certain period is one of the prerequisites for naturalization eligibility. Typically, an individual must have resided in the country for at least five years before being eligible to apply.

However, it is essential to remember that Meghan Markle's situation is unique due to her marriage into the royal family. While the typical requirements for naturalization apply to most individuals, exceptions can be made based on circumstances.

FAQ

Q: Is it necessary for members of the British royal family to be British citizens?

A: No, it is not mandatory for members of the British royal family to be British citizens. The royal family consists of individuals from diverse backgrounds and nationalities. While British citizenship may not be a requirement, they may need to acquire certain legal statuses or visas to reside in the United Kingdom.

About me

Hello,My name is Aparna Patel,I’m a Travel Blogger and Photographer who travel the world full-time with my hubby.I like to share my travel experience.

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