Prince Harry has clarified his intentions regarding becoming a U.S. citizen, stating he has “no plans to be, at this point.” This definitive answer, shared on the Hasan Minhaj Doesn’t Know podcast, builds upon his earlier admission that he had “considered” the move but deemed it not a “high priority.”
The question of whether Prince Harry would seek U.S. citizenship has been a consistent topic of discussion since his move to California in 2020 with his wife, Meghan Markle. Now, the Duke of Sussex has offered his most direct answer yet, providing a definitive statement during a recent podcast appearance.
The Podcast Revelation: A Direct Answer
During a surprise appearance on the Hasan Minhaj Doesn’t Know podcast, released on October 29, 2025, Prince Harry directly tackled the lingering question. In the “Royal Rapid Fire” segment, host Hasan Minhaj asked, “Are you going to become a U.S. citizen?”
The Duke of Sussex, 41, replied unequivocally: “Am I going to become a U.S. citizen? There are no plans to be, at this point.” This statement, reported by People magazine, signals a clear, albeit non-permanent, position on his residential status in the United States.
Fans also enjoyed a lighter moment during the podcast as Minhaj challenged Harry to attempt an American accent. The royal had a laugh trying to say, “I ordered breadsticks with ranch dressing at Applebee’s,” showcasing his continued integration into some aspects of American culture.
A History of Consideration, Not Priority
Harry’s recent statement is not entirely new territory. The topic of U.S. citizenship first surfaced in a significant way during a February 2024 interview with Good Morning America. At that time, while attending the Invictus Games Winter Training Camp in Canada, Harry admitted he had “considered” becoming a U.S. citizen.
When asked by Will Reeve if he felt “American,” Harry chuckled, replying, “Do I feel American? Um, no. I don’t know how I feel.” He further elaborated that while American citizenship had “crossed his mind,” it was “certainly not something that is a high priority for me right now.”
His consistent message suggests a practical approach to his current life in Montecito, California, where he and Meghan Markle are raising their children, Prince Archie, 6, and Princess Lilibet, 4. Their move from royal duties in 2020 marked a significant shift, with the couple settling in Meghan’s home state.
Life in California: American Habits and Family Traditions
Despite not pursuing citizenship, Prince Harry has embraced many aspects of American life. He revealed on the podcast that his “most American” habit is surfing, a stark contrast to typical royal pastimes. However, he drew a line at some American stereotypes, confirming he doesn’t drink Coors Light or wear shorts in restaurants.
He and Meghan Markle have also actively introduced their children to local traditions, immersing Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet in quintessential American experiences. This includes visits to Disneyland and the autumn tradition of picking pumpkins before Halloween, as previously noted by People.
Their celebrity neighbor, Sharon Stone, has praised their integration into the community, stating in 2020 that they “came here to be a part of our community,” actively participating rather than seeking special treatment.
The Citizenship Conundrum: Titles and Implications
For many royal watchers and legal experts, the decision to pursue U.S. citizenship carries significant weight beyond personal preference. U.S. immigration policy traditionally requires applicants who hold “titles of heredity or positions of nobility” in a foreign state to renounce them. This means Prince Harry would likely need to formally give up his royal titles, a move with profound implications.
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) stipulates that individuals seeking citizenship must “expressly renounce the title in a public ceremony,” with the renunciation officially recorded as part of the proceedings. This potential requirement is often cited as a major deterrent for Harry, as reported by The Mirror.
Royal author Christopher Andersen, writer of “The King,” previously suggested that Harry had “too much to lose” by seeking U.S. citizenship. According to Andersen, twisting the knife by potentially renouncing titles after being accused of turning his back on his family and country would not serve Harry’s interests.
Meghan Markle’s UK Citizenship Journey
Interestingly, Meghan Markle faced her own citizenship challenge shortly after her engagement to Prince Harry in November 2017. At that time, it was confirmed that she intended to become a U.K. citizen following their royal wedding. However, Meghan did not complete the “intense process.”
On her Archetypes podcast in 2022, the Duchess of Sussex spoke candidly about the difficulty of the U.K.’s citizenship exam. “That citizenship exam is so hard! I was studying for it, and I remember going, ‘Oh my goodness.’ I would ask my husband, ‘Did you know this? Did you know this?’ And people went, ‘Oh, I had no idea,’ ” Meghan recalled, highlighting the rigorous nature of such tests.
Fan Community Reactions and Future Outlook
The royal fan community remains deeply invested in the Sussexes’ life across the pond. Harry’s definitive statement, while not closing the door entirely, provides clarity after years of speculation. For now, it seems the Duke is content with his current status, balancing his royal heritage with his family’s American life without the added complexity of U.S. citizenship.
The conversation around his citizenship status will undoubtedly continue, particularly as his children grow up fully immersed in American culture. However, Harry’s “no plans at this point” indicates a thoughtful approach, prioritizing his family’s stability and current ventures over a change in nationality that could bring unforeseen complications.
