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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
National
Toby Meyjes

Royal baby: Meghan Markle and Harry's son qualifies for status no other royal has

The new royal baby is the first to qualify for both a British and US passport - bit might also face paying US taxes.

Mum Meghan's American birth means her son can also claim citizenship - but that might mean he has to one day pay taxes.

The US is unusual in that it still taxes its citizens even if they live in foreign countries.

This could pose challenges for the royals further down the line, with gifts between them possibly becoming taxable.

But, potential headaches aside, the new royal also retains the right to become a US citizen.

In order for this to become a reality, Harry and Meghan would need to register the birth at an American consulate.

For live updates on the new royal arrival follow our blog

The Duchess of Sussex's US birth means her son could become an American citizen (WireImage)
Meghan and Prince Harry have welcomed their first child (PA Wire/PA Images)

Why Meghan Markle won't be able to keep all the gifts she's sent for royal baby  

Conversely, Meghan can apply to become a UK citizen after five years in the country.

If she then decides to renounce her US citizenship she would have to pay what is known as an "exit tax", reports The Sun .

Speaking previously about the tax situation, tax lawyer Stuart E. Horwich told CBS MoneyWatch: "When a child is born a U.S. citizen, they are a U.S. taxpayer irrespective of residency,"

"The kid will have to list all foreign bank and financial accounts in which he or she has an interest."

Proud Harry delivered the news his son had been born on Monday (PA)
The royal baby will qualify as a dual US-UK citizen, the first royal to do so (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Meghan Markle 'will get into hot water' with Queen if she discusses this important topic  

But despite the lack of historical precedent, experts said they expect the royal household to be prepared for dealing with US tax authorities.

California attorney Robert Wood said: "They are certainly going to be getting top-quality tax advice, and I would hope and am sure they are doing it all right, even though it's an unusual event for the British  Royal family  to be filing things with the IRS."

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