So, Meghan, did you ever dream that one day you might marry into British royalty?
She’s keen to commit to life in UK... but has not decided on dual nationality
MEGHAN Markle will apply to become a British citizen after she marries Prince Harry, Kensington Palace revealed last night.
The American actress, 36, has not yet decided whether to give up her US passport – and could become the most senior member of the Royal Family ever to hold dual nationality.
But a royal family spokesman made clear yesterday that she is determined to commit fully to life in Britain. Protestant Ms Markle, whose American father is an Episcopalian, will also be baptised and be confirmed into the Church of England before the wedding.
And Ms Markle will begin her royal duties on Friday – kicking off a six-month tour of the UK. She and Harry, 33, will carry out their first walkabout together in Nottingham and visit organisations working with Aids and young people, two causes close to Harry’s heart. Yesterday, 24 hours after the couple announced their engagement, Kensington Palace said Harry and Ms Markle were ‘extremely grateful for the warm public response’, adding: ‘In a happy moment in their lives, it means a great deal to them that so many people… are celebrating with them.’
And a spokesman revealed she will apply for British citizenship, a process that can take years. She will have to sit a ‘Life in the UK’ test – possibly including questions about her grandmother-in-law, Queen Elizabeth.
As a US citizen, the bride-tobe will first need visas to spend time in the UK. Anyone from outside the EU who wants to live with a spouse or fiancé in Britain for more than six months must apply for a family visa. It is not known which visa Ms Markle is currently on, but if she is still using a short-term visitor visa, she may need to leave the UK to apply for a family visa. After Ms Markle has received her family visa and has married Harry she will be required to extend her stay in the UK by seeking indefinite leave to remain. After three years, she can apply for citizenship and would be required to sit the test.
A Kensington Palace spokesman said: ‘Ms Markle will be compliant with all immigration requirements at all times and has, of course, taken advice on that throughout this process.
‘I can also say that she intends to become a UK citi- zen and will go through the process of that ,which can take a number of years. She will retain US citizenship throughout the process.’
He added that it had not yet been decided whether she would retain dual nationality.
Micha-Rose Emmett, of legal services firm CS Global Partners, said: ‘Interestingly, both Prince Harry and Meghan Markle would have the opportunity to become dual citizens of the UK and the US. As a royal couple breaking new territory, they represent the future – citizens of the world and the most modern global couple in the British monarchy’s history.’
Kensington Palace also confirmed Ms Markle will be spend some time out of the UK in the next few months, visiting family and friends before she settles permanently with Harry at Nottingham Cottage, his home in Kensington Palace.
A family visa would cost £1,464 (€1,650), or £1,583 (€1,785) if the couple decide to use a fast-track service. It is understood the fee will not be waived for Ms Markle. A decision is usually made within 12 weeks. To apply for the visa
Will be baptised into Church of England