MEGHAN has abandoned her bid to be a British citizen because she cannot live out of the country for 90 days.
The Duchess of Sussex is thought to have started the five-year process towards naturalisation soon after her May 2018 wedding.
Meghan Markle has abandoned her bid to become a British citizen after moving abroad
But a government source says her and Harrys move to Canada will dash efforts to show a strong commitment to the UK and an intention to live here.
The Sussexes have said they will split time between the two countries.
But any absence would be pounced on by immigration officials.
After five years Meghan could get indefinite leave to remain in the UK allowing her to start her full citizenship bid.
Rules state she must not have left the UK for more than 270 days in the three years before applying for it.
This can be spread over the three years but must include 90 days in the last year.
Experts say the Home Office can show discretion over an absence.
But Meghan would have to put forward a convincing argument to continue her claim.
Michael Marziano, senior immigration lawyer at Westkin Associates, said: The US citizen has to be living in the UK with the British partner when the application to extend the partner visa is made.
NEW STATUS
They must intend to continue to live together permanently in the UK.
If there has been any period throughout the first 2 years where they have not lived together in the UK, governmernt guidance states there must be good reason for this.
“It must be consistent with their continued intention to live in the UK permanently.
Harry left Britain on Monday to be reunited with Meghan and son Archie in Vancouver.
The couples new status away from the formal royal spotlight will begin in the spring.
Prince Philip visited the Queen at Sandringham as she was spotted out for the first time since her cold.
The Duke of Edinburgh was not wearing a seatbelt as daughter Princess Anne drive him to the estates main house.
Her Majesty was seen driving her Range Rover to join a shooting party thought to include Annes hubby, Tim Laurence, ex-racing driver Sir Jackie Stewart and opera star Dame Kiri Te Kanawa.
The Queens illness forced her to pull out of her annual visit to Sandringham Womens Institute.
