Ever since May 19th, 2018, the royal family of the United Kingdom has been changed forevermore. A divorced, American, catholic-raised, person of color married into the royal family-all things that stand out in the British royal house of Windsor. Upon marriage, the couple of Prince Harry and Rachel Meghan Markle became His and Her Royal Highnesses, The Duke and Duchess Of Sussex. The newly proclaimed Duchess was not like others who were in the royal family; like her husband in his infamous past, she did not follow royal protocol or tradition. 

The Duchess Of Sussex is an outspoken feminist and has addresed issues of gender inequality. Before her wedding to the Duke Of Sussex, Meghan Markle actively used her platforms for many opinionated pieces involving views deemed as controversial by The Royal Family, especially politics involving the United State’s current president, Donald J. Trump. A rule in the royal house of Windsor is that all members of the royal family must stay impartial in all matters, so their representation is not used to sway members of the public to a certain direction. This rule was a problem for the Duchess Of Sussex.

In The United Kingdom, and across the world, Duchess Meghan faced scrutiny for not following royal protocol, for being a divorcee, and for being a person of color. Prince Harry could not stand by while the media repeated history and did what they did to his mother, Diana, Princess Of Wales, causing her tragic demise when the media chased her down after her exit of Hôtel Ritz in Paris. On January 8th, 2020, the couple announced that they will be taking a “step back” from their senior roles within the royal house of Windsor, and on April 1st, 2020, the couple officially stopped using their titles and money from the royal family, however, they still do retain their titles and styles as H.R.H.’s. (His/Her Royal Highnesses)

Now, Harry and Meghan have bought their very first home together in Santa Barbara, California and are currently residing there with their baby, Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor. 

Now that royals are in the United States Of America, what does this mean?

1. Master Archie, the couple’s child, is the first member of the royal family to have a U.S. citizenship and be in line for the throne. This means this child could one day become Sovereign of the British Commonwealth and/or President of The United States of America.
2. Prince Harry, if he resides in the U.S. for too long, will be eligible to pay taxes. Also, if The Duke Of Sussex decides to become a U.S. citizen then he will also become eligible to vote, something he has never done in his life in the United Kingdom. 
3. The Sussexes, while still being public figures, will have to pay for everything just like any regular person in the U.S. does. President Trump stated himself that the U.S. government wouldn’t contribute to the couple’s security costs.
4. Upon the moment H.R.H. (His Royal Highness) The Prince Of Wales (Master Archie’s paternal grandfather) becomes the sovereign of the U.K. Commonwealth, Master Archie is entitled by birth right to become H.R.H. Prince Archie Of Sussex, due to his father’s position and title. However, Master Archie may be opted out of his birth right either by his parents or himself if he is old enough. 
5. The Sussexes may now have a chance at some level of normality. While they will forever be celebrities, and members (non-active) of the royal family living in the United States, this could hopefully provide some clarity and peace to the growing family.

However, could the Sussexes ever return to being active members of the royal family? 

While the Duke and Duchess Of Sussex could decide to one day return to the royal family, there could be many issues that arise.

Something that has already been proven is that the media is ruthless towards The Duke and Duchess Of Sussex. The media continues to attack Harry and Meghan even though they are just trying to go about their lives. While the couple may be in the United States, that does not mean they are ever going to be free from the eyes of the media.

However, for the first time her Royal Majesty Queen Elizabeth II publicly acknowledged the brutal press treatment the couple have received in a rare statement made when they resigned. Her Royal Majesty, reported, through Buckingham Palace, “I recognise the challenges they have experienced as a result of intense scrutiny over the last two years and support their wish for a more independent life.” 

If the couple can receive public support and defense from Her Royal Majesty, they could in fact return and have their royal life be more peaceful. Though the likelihood of this happening is not high.

Now that Prince Harry, Meghan Markle, and their baby Archie live in the United States, their growing family can finally have some peace and prosperity in their lives. While they will forever be celebrities, this way The Sussexes may enjoy their lives.

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