**Prince Harry strategically chose the day he and his wife, Meghan, were evicted from Frogmore Cottage as the official start of his formal residence in the United States, British Daily Mail has claimed.
The couple, who relocated to California in 2020, reportedly moved out their remaining belongings from the Windsor property on June 29 of last year.
According to business documents published by Companies House, Prince Harry, whose full title is ‘Prince Henry Charles Albert David Duke of Sussex,’ updated his residency information to indicate that his “New Country/State Usually Resident” is now the USA, whereas it previously stated the United Kingdom. This subtle but significant change underscores Prince Harry’s decision to establish his life across the Atlantic.
Royal experts have commented on the emotional impact of Prince Harry’s departure from Frogmore Cottage, which had been a wedding gift from Queen Elizabeth. It is suggested that he was deeply wounded by his father’s order for him and Meghan to vacate the property. By selecting the eviction date as the starting point of his formal US residence, Prince Harry is seen to be making a symbolic statement.
The Sussexes currently reside in a luxurious mansion in California, valued at $14 million (£11 million), featuring six bedrooms and seven bathrooms. Prince Harry’s desire to establish a life in the United States was further highlighted earlier this year when he expressed that he had considered becoming a US citizen, although it is not currently a high priority for him.
Pressure has been mounting for the release of Prince Harry’s visa records, with campaigners seizing upon comments made by the American ambassador to London, Jane Hartley, who stated that he would not be deported while President Joe Biden was in office. The conservative Heritage Foundation think tank in Washington has taken legal action to obtain the release of these records.
These revelations also raise questions about Prince Harry’s eligibility to remain as a Counsellor of State, one of seven members of the Royal Family authorized to deputize for the Monarch in their absence or illness. By law, Counsellors of State are required to have a UK domicile, which poses a challenge for Prince Harry since he no longer has a home in the United Kingdom following his departure from Frogmore Cottage.
The complex nature of Prince Harry’s situation, as the second son of the King choosing a life away from royal duties, presents legal and constitutional challenges. Buckingham Palace is said to be concerned by these unprecedented circumstances. While the King had the opportunity to remove Prince Harry with the counsellor-of-state legislation, he chose not to do so.
In 2022, Princess Anne and Prince Edward were added to the list of Counsellors of State upon the King’s request. The decision not to remove Prince Harry and Prince Andrew was reportedly made to avoid escalating family tensions, as it was believed that they would unlikely be required to deputize for the Monarch. However, recent developments have added urgency to the matter due to the King’s cancer treatment.
Prince Harry’s legal battle with the Home Office over his right to automatic Metropolitan Police protection in the UK has also reached a conclusion. Despite offering to cover the costs himself, he lost the case and may face a bill of approximately £1 million. The Duke of Sussex’s representative expressed concerns for his safety, stating that he is unable to return to his former home with his family due to perceived threats.
