Prince Harry sent shockwaves through the British monarchy when he announced that he and his wife, Meghan Markle, were stepping back from royal duties in 2020. After a brief transitional period living between the U.K. and Canada, the couple relocated to California, where they currently reside with their two young children. In this article we talk about Why Has Prince Harry Chosen to Become a U.S. Resident- What’s Next for Prince Harry.
Recent filings have revealed that Prince Harry has now declared the United States as his official country of residence, further distancing himself from the royal family. This begs the question – why has Harry chosen to plant roots across the Atlantic rather than in his native Britain? And what does the future hold for the dissident royal?
Why Prince Harry Calls the U.S. Home
There are likely several factors behind Harry’s decision to take up formal residency in America:
Freedom and Privacy
Harry and Meghan spoke openly about the intense media scrutiny they faced in the U.K. as senior working royals. They lamented the lack of privacy and ability to live normal lives under the ever-present spotlight. By moving to America, the couple gained more control over public access to their personal lives.
California is the perfect place for the family to fly under the radar when they want to. They reside in the remote celebrity enclave of Montecito, far from the flashbulbs of Beverly Hills. The neighborhood offers top-notch security and privacy.
Distance from Royal Family Rift
Harry has made it clear relations are strained between him and his brother, Prince William. Meghan also described feeling rebuffed by members of the royal institution. This family discord likely motivated the Sussexes to put down roots farther away.
Thousands of miles of separation from the rift with his brother and the drama back home allows Harry peace of mind. He spoke of the profound mental health impacts he endured as a senior working royal. The distance helps him focus on his young family and new charitable ventures.
Meghan’s Home Country
While Harry was born and raised in the U.K., the Duchess of Sussex is a Los Angeles native. Having spent years living in Canada for work, Meghan had already extensively lived outside Britain before meeting Harry.
Choosing to settle in California keeps Meghan close to her mother, Doria Ragland, who offers an essential support system. Meghan also has a career network and group of friends in L.A. to call upon from her pre-royal days.
Career Prospects
Harry and Meghan are cementing themselves as Hollywood power players. From lucrative streaming deals with Netflix and Spotify to non-profit partnerships with multinational companies, California offers the best landscape.
Silicon Valley provides technology connections, while L.A. opens doors to entertainment industry opportunities. By becoming official U.S. residents, the Sussexes can ensure they stay stateside to focus on these new career paths long-term.
What Does the Future Hold for Prince Harry?
While Harry steps back from formal royal duties, he shows no signs of slowing down his philanthropic work and service. Here are some predictions for what’s on the horizon for the Duke of Sussex.
Invictus Games Continued Involvement
One major commitment unlikely to waver is Harry’s dedication to the Invictus Games. This adaptive sports competition for wounded veterans holds special meaning for the Prince, who served 10 years in the British Army.
Having founded the Invictus Games back in 2014, Harry remains deeply involved. He currently serves as patron of the Invictus Games Foundation. The 2023 Invictus Games are slated for September in Düsseldorf, Germany.
Harry will likely continue attending and promoting the event annually. His attendance does usually require coordinating with the Palace, given royal security details and scheduling.
Increased U.S. Charity Partnerships
The Sussexes wasted no time partnering with American companies and non-profits after relocating. Meghan narrated a Disney nature film in exchange for a charity donation just months after their move.
Harry and Meghan have established partnerships with firms like BetterUp, Ethic, Procter & Gamble, and Spotify. More corporate pairings supporting social initiatives in the U.S. are likely on the way.
Netflix Docuseries and Other Media
The Sussexes inked a massive deal to produce films, scripted series, and children’s programming for Netflix. Their first major release is an at-home docuseries expected to launch later this year.
Harry and Meghan promise to offer a “never-before-seen look at their lives.” More intimate media projects are likely in development as they embrace Hollywood.
Potential Philanthropic Foundation Launch
In 2021, Harry and Meghan confirmed their intention to launch an independent non-profit called Archewell Foundation. The anticipated foundation is separate from their production companies and business partnerships.
The non-profit’s delayed launch may indicate they held off while settling into California life. Now U.S. residents, Harry and Meghan are ideally positioned to establish homegrown philanthropic roots. The long-awaited Archewell Foundation could soon come to fruition.
Return to Frogmore Cottage
Despite relocating their family and becoming U.S. residents, Harry and Meghan retain access to Frogmore Cottage on the Windsor estate. The home underwent extensive renovations at taxpayer expense shortly before the Sussexes abandoned royal life.
If Harry wishes to visit the U.K. and see the Queen, he would likely stay at Frogmore. While it remains vacant most of the year, keeping Frogmore could allow the Sussexes to return to Britain for extended stays if ever desired.
Will Harry Ever Repair the Royal Rift?
As next in line to the throne after his father, King Charles III, Prince William’s relationship with Harry is undoubtedly strained. Yet hope persists the two may eventually reconcile, if slowly. Harry returned to the U.K. last year for Prince Philip’s funeral and the Queen’s Jubilee celebrations.
It’s possible that Harry could play more of a role supporting his father and brother. But with the Sussexes’ new life firmly rooted in California, Harry seems prepared to play an unofficial royal role from afar indefinitely.
The Bottom Line
Prince Harry now calls Southern California home after he and Meghan formally cut ties with the British monarchy in early 2020. Harry’s decision to declare the United States as his permanent residence only formalizes the substantial distance he has put between himself and the royal family over the past three years.
With a blossoming Hollywood career, growing charity portfolio, and two young children, Harry has firmly planted roots across the pond. While the Prince will always have strong British ties, his future clearly lies in America now that he’s chosen to become a U.S. resident. I sincerely hope you find this “Why Has Prince Harry Chosen to Become a U.S. Resident- What’s Next for Prince Harry?” article helpful.
