Harry says he is considered a U.S. citizen, but it is “not a priority.”
Prince Harry said he was 'considering' becoming a US citizen but admits it is not at the top of his priority list.
The royal told ABC's Good Morning America that he “loves” his new life in America so much that he might take the citizenship test – even if it would force him to give up his royal titles.
“It's great, I enjoy every day,” he said of his life in California.
When asked what would stop him from becoming a U.S. citizen, he added, “I have no idea. I'm standing here with these guys. American citizenship is a thought that crosses my mind, but it is not a high priority for me.”
Prince Harry said he was 'considering' becoming a US citizen, and said he 'loves California every day of his life' with Meghan Markle
The Duke of Sussex during the interview in Whistler with ABC correspondent Will Reeve
Under US immigration policy, Harry would be forced to give up his royal titles if he applied for US citizenship
The Duke of Sussex gave the interview in Whistler, Canada, after a week of facing backlash for the launch of his website Sussex.com.
However, the process of becoming a US citizen would be different for Harry than most others as he would be subject to regulations on his royal titles.
According to US immigration policy, 'any applicant who holds hereditary titles or noble positions in a foreign state must renounce the title or position.'
The policy also requires Harry to “expressly relinquish the title in a public ceremony and for USCIS to record the relinquishment as part of the procedure.”
Harry previously came under scrutiny over his US visa after admitting to 'several' instances of drug use in his memoir, Spare.
In Spare and the TV blitz that followed, Harry admitted to using cocaine, cannabis and magic mushrooms. He said marijuana and psychedelics “really helped” with his “trauma,” while cocaine was more of a “social thing.”
The admission prompted calls from some campaigners to clarify whether he had told US officials about his drug use while applying for residency.
It was later claimed that he was “truthful” about his visa application and admitted to drug use, including the use of the Amazonian hallucinogenic plant ayahuasca, which he described as “cleaning the windshield, removing the filters of life'.
The Duke of Sussex gave the interview in Whistler, Canada, after a week in which he and Meghan Markle faced backlash for the launch of their website Sussex.com. The two were pictured with ABC host Will Reeve in Whistler on Wednesday
Th Duke flirted with American citizenship three years ago, although his plans were put on hold due to Covid-19.
A royal source told The Times at the time: 'Prince Harry will not be applying for a green card or US citizenship in the near future.
'While his status as the spouse of a US citizen would smooth his path to permanent residency, the Sussexes' plans to launch themselves in America are believed to have been put on hold due to the virus.'
Harry also discussed the king's health as he spoke publicly for the first time since Charles postponed all public duties following the diagnosis last week.
Asked by GMA host Will Reeve how the short trip back home was “emotional” for him, Harry replied, “Um, look, I love my family. The fact that I was able to get on a plane and visit him and spend time with him, I'm grateful for that.”
Reeve, the son of late Superman actor Christopher Reeve who was paralyzed in 1995, said: “I have also found in my own life that some kind of illness in the family can have a stimulating or reunifying effect on a family. Is that possible in this case?'
Speaking in Whistler, Canada, Harry replied: 'Absolutely. Yes, I'm sure. In all these families I see the power of the family unit coming together every day. I think every disease, every illness brings families together.”
The Duke is being followed by TV crews as he prepares for the Invictus Games
Before his impressive interview, in which he said he was considering giving up his royal titles for a US citizenship, Harry found time to try his hand at the skeleton bobsled.
The interview comes after a week full of announcements from Harry and his wife, the Duchess of Sussex.
Meghan signed a deal with Lemonada Media to record new podcast shows, and the company will distribute her previous series.
Her Archetypes podcast about female stereotypes lasted just one series before a lucrative deal with Spotify ended in 2023.
The couple also relaunched their Archewell website, the name of their foundation, as The Office of Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
A film crew led by Mr Reeve has been following Harry and his wife Meghan Markle since they arrived in Canada on Tuesday for the countdown to the Invictus Games in Whistler and Vancouver.