Prince Harry makes a historic move as a newly surfaced legal document shows he has officially changed his residence to the United States. This significant change underscores and reinforces his and his family’s commitment to their life away from the UK.
In an unprecedented move that marks a major milestone in both his personal and professional life, Prince Harry has officially changed his country of residence to the United States.
Prince Harry at an event hosted by former First Lady of the United States Michelle Obama to honor military families at the White House in Washington, DC | Source: Getty Images
The Duke of Sussex finalized this decision through a newly filed document with Companies House, a crucial requirement for his eco-tourism nonprofit, Travalyst. This paperwork clearly indicates his commitment to his new home in America.
Prince Harry seen out in Wellington, Florida on April 13, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Updated just days ago, the document shows a change effective from June 29, 2023. It states that Prince Harry has shifted his home base from the United Kingdom to the United States of America.
Prince Harry at an event hosted by former First Lady of the United States Michelle Obama to honor military families at the White House in Washington, DC | Source: Getty Images
Coincidentally, the aforementioned date coincides with Buckingham Palace’s announcement that Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan Markle, were leaving Frogmore Cottage, which underscored their transition away from the UK.
A view of Frogmore Cottage in Windsor, England on January 14, 2020 | Source: Getty Images
A photo of the official document confirming Prince Harry’s residency change has surfaced online. The social media post—which showcased the image—named “Prince Henry Charles Albert David Duke of Sussex” as a resident of the U.S.A.
Prince Harry during the transfer of Queen Elizabeth’s II’s coffin from Buckingham Palace to The Palace of Westminster in London, England on September 14, 2022 | Source: Getty Images
More than a legal formality, the change of residency document symbolizes a new chapter in the Duke of Sussex’s life. It signifies his full embrace of the American dream alongside Meghan and their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.
Support for Prince Harry’s relocation has always been strong, with recent statements from US government officials highlighting their embrace of him in their country.
Prince Harry on his way to the White House to meet with former President of the United States Barack Obama in Washington, DC on October 28, 2015 | Source: Getty Images
Prior to the release of the photo of the document, US Ambassador Jane Hartley confirmed “the Duke of Sussex will not be deported by the Biden Administration.” This assertion among others, showcases the legal protections Prince Harry has in the U.S.
Prince Harry and President of the United States Joe Biden at the Invictus Games in Orlando, Florida on May 11, 2016 | Source: Getty Images
As far as how the Duke plans on maintaining his and his family’s lifestyle, in addition to the individual and joint projects he and Meghan have going on, he has also received substantial inheritances.
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry at the Invictus Games One Year To Go event in Whistler, Canada on February 15, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Although the couple declared financial independence in 2020, Prince Harry had inherited a hefty fortune from his late great-grandmother, the Queen Mother, Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon.
The Queen Mother, Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon and Prince Harry as a baby posing for a picture in 1984. | Source: Getty Images
According to reports, the Queen Mother left a fortune estimated at £70 million, which includes expensive art pieces and other assets. Though she left this to her late daughter, Queen Elizabeth III, the Queen Mother had put aside two-thirds of her wealth in a trust fund she created for her great-grandchildren.
Prince William, Prince Harry, King Charles III and the Queen Mother, Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon during her 101st birthday celebrations in London, England on August 4, 2001 | Source: Getty Images
From this trust fund, Prince Harry and his brother, Prince William, received their shares. A news outlet reported that Prince Harry ended up acquiring a larger share than Prince William because of the future financial gains and benefits that the Prince of Wales will receive when he becomes King.
Prince William and Prince Harry at the unveiling of a statue they commissioned of their mother Diana, Princess of Wales in London, England on July 1, 2021 | Source: Getty Images
In addition to the trust left by their great-grandmother, Prince Harry and Prince William received about £20 million from savvy investments of funds left by their late mother, Princess Diana. Originally, this amount sat at close to £13 million, however, it grew from the investments made by royal advisors.
Prince William, Princess Diana and Prince Harry during their ski holiday in Lech, Austria on March 30, 1993 | Source: Getty Images
This financial backing may be what has allowed Prince Harry to establish a comfortable and stable life in the US. A comfortable life that saw him and Meghan purchase a £12.8 million Californian mansion where they reside with their children.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at the Ms. Foundation Women of Vision Awards: Celebrating Generations of Progress & Power in New York City on May 16, 2023 | Source: Getty Images
Further bolstering their more than secure financial stature is Prince Harry’s estimated personal net worth of about £48 million, and Meghan’s estimated £3.5 million from her acting career.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at the Salute To Freedom Gala in New York City on November 10, 2021 | Source: Getty Images
Prince Harry’s popular tell-all memoir, “Spare,” has also significantly contributed to his financial stability. While speaking on his podcast “The Rest Is Entertainment,” bestselling author Richard Osman highlighted the memoir’s unprecedented success.
Richard Osman at the Virgin Media British Academy Television Awards in London, England on May 8, 2022 | Source: Getty Images
“It’s impossible to overestimate how much money that has made,” Richard stated. Reportedly, “Spare” is the fastest-selling non-fiction book in Britain since 1998.
Copies of “Spare” and a poster at Waterstones bookstore in London, England on January 10, 2023 | Source: Getty Images
He also elaborated on the financial mechanics behind such a publication, noting, “I reckon he’s made $26, $27million. So he’s earned out an advance of $20million on the hardback of his first book alone. Forget rights to other things and audiobooks and what have you. He has earned that out already.”
Prince Harry at the Invictus Games One Year To Go event in Whistler, Canada on February 15, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Additionally, “The Bullet That Missed: A Thursday Murder Club Mystery” author remarked further on the substantial royalties from American sales. He emphasized the lucrative nature of the U.S. book market: “In America, the royalties are absolutely insane […] So he has made a huge amount of money out of that book.”
Copies of “Spare” at a bookstore in Bath, England on January 11, 2023 | Source: Getty Images
Despite being heavily discounted or appearing on charity shop shelves, the book’s financial return remains robust. Richard also noted the broader cultural impact.
Copies of “Spare” being sold in a bookstore at half price in Bath, England on January 22, 2023 | Source: Getty Images
He paired the success of “Spare” with the attention resurgence of Meghan’s hit TV show “Suits,” which set new streaming records. On this, he said, “As a couple, they’ve essentially got the biggest book in the world and the biggest TV show in the world.”
Meghan Markle at the Season 5 premiere of “Suits” in Los Angeles, California on January 21, 2016 | Source: Getty Images
“Spare” not only discusses Prince Harry’s personal experiences and challenges within the royal family but also touches on broader societal issues that contribute to its appeal. The novel captured the public’s attention so much that it was Britain’s bestselling book of 2023.
Selling well over 700,000 copies, Prince Harry’s narrative has resonated widely among public spheres. The memoir earned him nominations at the British Book Awards and has continued to shape his public image beyond the royal sphere.
Prince Harry at the 13th Annual NFL Honors in Las Vegas, Nevada on February 8, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
As Prince Harry and Meghan continue to build their lives in the U.S., their journey is underpinned by their financial means and the legal security provided by his new residential country.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle attending the cycling medal ceremony at the Cycling Track during day six of the Invictus Games in Düsseldorf, Germany on September 15, 2023 | Source: Getty Images
Prince Harry’s change of residence is more than just a relocation; it is a profound life decision. The documented change and the Duke of Sussex’s projects reflect his broader aspirations in a country that now embraces him as one of its own.