According to the New York Times, Prince Harry’s new fiancée could receive a royal moniker long before she’s a British citizen.
Meghan Markle, who is set to become the first American-born member of England’s royal family, can be given a title such as “duchess” without earning citizenship if Queen Elizabeth approves.
Should the Queen make it happen, Markle would become the first person who isn’t a British citizen to receive a royal title.
- She will need a Family Visa in order to stay in the UK for more than 6 months
- To obtain a Family Visa she needs to prove her and Harry make more than a combined income of at least £18,600 a year.
- Meghan must pass a written and verbal test to show proficiency in the English language
- If someone comes to the country as the fiancee of a British citizen, they must marry within six months. (Their wedding date is in May 2018)
- Seeking British citizenship after their wedding is much easier than seeking citizenship before being married to a British citizen.
- Meghan must live in the UK for at least 3 years before applying for British citizenship.
- She must have spent no more than 270 days outside the UK within those 3 years
- She must have spent no more than 90 days outside the UK in the last 12 months
- She can not break any immigration laws while in the UK
- Meghan must pass a test which will cover “life in the UK” and it will cover things from past British olympic winners to the royal family timeline
Visiting the UK from America:
First, she will have to apply for a family visa in order to remain in the country.
Meghan and Harry must have a combined income of at least £18,600 a year to prove they meet the income requirements for a family visa. Meghan also must prove her knowledge of the English language. This visa will allow her to stay in the UK for more than 6 months.
Engagement Timeline:
If someone comes to the country as the fiancee of a British citizen, they must marry within six months.
With their engagement this month and the wedding planned for May 2018, they should just tie the knot in time.
Becoming a British Citizen as an American:
If Meghan seeks British Citizenship before marrying Prince Harry (highly unlikely):
– lived in the UK for at least the 5 years before the date of your application
– spent no more than 450 days outside the UK during those 5 years
– spent no more than 90 days outside the UK in the last 12 months
– had settlement (‘indefinite leave to remain’) in the UK for the last 12 months if you’re from outside the European Economic Area (EEA)
– had permanent residence status for the last 12 months if you’re a citizen of an EEA country – you need to provide a permanent residence document
– not broken any immigration laws while in the UK
If Meghan marries Prince Harry and seeks citizenship after then the requirements are a bit different and easier:
– lived in the UK for at least the 3 years before your application is received
– spent no more than 270 days outside the UK in those 3 years
– spent no more than 90 days outside the UK in the last 12 months
– not broken any immigration laws while in the UK
At this point, Ms Markle will have to take a test with questions on life in the UK, costing £50.
The British citizenship application will cost: £1282
Although the royal family reportedly have said that they will give no exceptions to fast-tracking British citizenship for Meghan, it will be quite easier for her already being American. She has positive proof of competent income between her and her fiancée. Meghan has plenty of proof for her genuine relationship with Harry. Lastly, she is proficient in the English language. The only thing that is unknown is the test she will have to take on life in the UK. Ms. Markle better start studying up on her royal family knowledge!
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