- Baby Sussex is automatically British citizen based on his father’s own citizenship
- He could also obtain a US citizenship thanks to Meghan’s own status with the US
- As a naturally-born citizen, the baby could one day run for office as US President
- Baby Sussex also seventh-in-line to the British throne as the son of Prince Harry
The birth of Prince Harry and Meghan‘s baby boy has signalled the first time that a person has had the right to become both the British monarch and the US President.
Baby Sussex is automatically a British citizen based on the Duke of Sussex’s citizenship status and also due to being born in the UK.
But assuming Meghan did not voluntarily give up her own US citizenship when she married Harry, which she was no required to do by law, the baby will also be granted American citizenship himself.
The implication of being naturally-born citizen of the United States means Baby Sussex could one day run for office as US President.
However the US constitution states that any runner for the job must also have lived in the US for at least 14 years, as well as be over the age of 35.
In order for a child who was born abroad to a US citizen parent who is married to a non-US citizen, the citizen, who would be Meghan in this case, must have lived in the United States for at least five years, and two of those years must have been after the age of 14.
The birth of Baby Sussex must then be officially reported to an American consulate in order for him to obtain US citizenship.
US law does not officially recognize dual citizenship, but it doesn’t prohibit it either.
Baby Sussex’s British citizenship would not be affected if the Duke and Duchess of Sussex choose to obtain US citizenship for their child.
However, US tax implications could prevent the couple from seeking American citizenship for their new bundle of joy.
All US citizens are required by law to report income from all sources within and outside of the US, meaning Baby Sussex could face a tax bill in the States.
Despite now living at Frogmore Cottage in the grounds of Britain’s Windsor Palace, Meghan is still expected to file tax returns to the US due to her citizenship.
Should Baby Sussex decide he wants to renounce his US citizenship, he would not be able to do so until he reaches the age of 16.
The royal baby is also now in the succession line to the British throne, despite six others sitting in front of him.
While Baby Sussex is not expected to ever become monarch, it is not unheard of for children of second-born royal sons to become king or queen.
The Queen was, like Baby Sussex, the child of a second-born royal son – George VI – and Princess Elizabeth was not thought likely to be a sovereign when she was born.
When Edward VIII abdicated, his younger brother the Duke of York became king as George VI, eventually paving the way for the princess to reign as Elizabeth II.
Queen Anne was also the second daughter, and fourth child, of a second son – James II – who was a brother of Charles II.
But monarchy expert Dr Jonathan Spangler said Harry and Meghan’s son, who will be seventh in line, will not wear the crown unless there is a ‘twist of dynastic fate’.
This is unlikely, given that the Duke of Cambridge has three children – future king Prince George, and two spares Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.
The first six places remain unchanged – the Prince of Wales, the Duke of Cambridge, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, Prince Louis and then Harry.
But the youngest member of the Windsor family has now bumped Harry’s uncle, the Duke of York, from seventh place down into eighth.
