PRINCE Harry has hinted that he could become a US citizen after saying he can’t vote in THIS upcoming presidential election.
The royal left the door open to taking up US citizenship, as he encouraged American voters to “reject hate speech, misinformation and online negativity.”
In the video clip broadcast as part of the Time 100, the magazine’s annual list of the world’s 100 most influential people, Harry said: “This election, I’m not going to be able to vote here in the US.
“But many of you may not know that I haven’t been able to vote in the UK my entire life.”
Some attentive viewers were quick to notice the royals’ emphasis on the word “this.”
One viewer wrote: “Prince Harry said he would not be voting in THIS US election. Could he possible be thinking about becoming a US citizen? Naw, that’s crazy talk, right? #sussexes #DukeofSussex.”
A second user noticed his ambiguity, and commented: “By the sound of the video Prince Harry will be a US and UK citizen by the next election “this election I am unable to vote”, and I love it.”
Although law does not explicitly forbid members of the royal family from voting, the expectation is that royals remain apolitical and never participate in elections.
POTENTIAL DUAL CITIZENSHIP
However, if Prince Harry decides to apply for US citizenship, there may be a chance in the future that he could vote in an election across the pond.
He would have to obtain a ‘green card’ and stay in America for at least three years – and if he does take this route he would, in theory, be able to vote in the 2024 election.
Meghan is eligible to vote in US elections as an American citizen, and so will little Archie, when he is old enough.
After being asked whether Harry will apply for dual citizenship, a source close to Harry told the Daily Mail: “They are not working royals.
“They are private citizens and it’s understandable they want to keep those matters private.”
Meanwhile, Harry and Meghan were slammed after ‘interfering in US politics’ and speaking out about the upcoming presidential election.
In the interview, Harry said: “As we approach this November, it’s vital that we reject hate speech, misinformation and online negativity.
“When the bad outweighs the good, for many, whether we realise it or not, it erodes our ability to have compassion and our ability to put ourselves in someone else’s shoes.
‘INTERFERING IN THE ELECTION’
“Because when one person buys into negativity online, the effects are felt exponentially. It’s time to not only reflect, but act.”
One angry Twitter user said: “Hey, Prince Harry: you have no right to interfere in our election.
“If you want make a statement, give up your British citizenship, become an American.
“Then you can talk all you want about voting in this country.. Other than that: SHUT UP.”
Another responded to Harry’s comment saying: “None of his business he is purely a guest in the country.”
Piers Morgan also shared his opinion, saying: “Prince Harry poking his woke nose into the US election & effectively telling Americans to vote against President Trump is completely unacceptable behaviour for a member of the Royal Family.”
Despite claims that this was a thinly veiled attempt to get their fans to vote Donald Trump out of office, a source close to Harry insisted the Duke was not referring to Mr Trump nor any other individual.
They added: “The Duke was talking about the tone of debate in the run-up to an election which is already quite febrile.
“He is not talking about any candidate or specific campaign.
“He is building on a lot of stuff that he’s said before about online communities, how we engage with each other online, rather than specifically making any political points.”
