Prince Harry Declares U.S. His Permanent Home, Signaling a “Final Goodbye” to Royal Life
In a significant move that underscores his commitment to his new life in America, Prince Harry has officially declared the United States as his permanent residence, a decision that experts are calling his “final goodbye” to the British royal family. This declaration comes after Harry and his wife, Meghan Markle, relocated to Montecito, California, in 2020, stepping down from their roles as senior royals.
The couple’s move was initially seen as a temporary step back from royal duties, fueling ongoing speculation about their potential return to the UK and royal engagements. However, Harry’s recent formal acknowledgment of his U.S. residency seems to solidify his intentions to remain stateside indefinitely.
Royal author Tom Quinn emphasized the significance of this move in an interview with Mirror, stating, “Making the US his primary residence is Harry’s final goodbye.” He added that Harry’s commitment to the Invictus Games, a project he began while still a working royal, remains strong, noting, “The Games were founded by Harry when he was still a working royal, so pressure isn’t being brought to bear to make him give it up now.”
Despite his physical distance from the UK, Prince Harry has maintained connections with his family, particularly during times of need. Following King Charles’ cancer diagnosis earlier this year, Harry made a point to visit the UK, reflecting on his trip during an interview with Good Morning America. He expressed his affection for his family, stating he was “grateful” for the time spent with his father and the flexibility to visit whenever necessary.
The dynamics within the broader royal family are still evolving, especially concerning the younger generation. Harry and Meghan’s children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, live with their parents in Montecito, while their cousins—Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, the children of Prince William and Kate Middleton—reside in the UK. There is keen interest in whether the upcoming family visit to the UK in May, rumored to include Archie and Lili, might foster closer relationships among the cousins.
As Prince Harry continues to embrace his American life, the royal family watches and waits to see how this new chapter will unfold. Whether or not Harry and Meghan’s ties with the royal family will further change remains uncertain, but for now, Prince Harry’s heart and home are firmly planted in the United States, marking a new era for the Duke of Sussex and his young family.