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.

6 Meghan Markle has abandoned her bid to become a British citizen after moving abroad Credit: Getty - Contributor

6 The couple's move to Canada will dash efforts to show a 'strong commitment to the UK' in her process Credit: Doug Seeburg - The Sun

But a government source says her and Harry’s 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 2½ 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 couple’s 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.

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The Duke of Edinburgh was not wearing a seatbelt as daughter Princess Anne drive him to the estate’s main house.

Her Majesty was seen driving her Range Rover to join a shooting party thought to include Anne’s hubby, Tim Laurence, ex-racing driver Sir Jackie Stewart and opera star Dame Kiri Te Kanawa.

The Queen’s illness forced her to pull out of her annual visit to Sandringham Women’s Institute.

Extra risk fears PRINCE Harry and Meghan face a £5million security bill and uncharted danger following their move to Canada, safety experts have warned. Stars’ bodyguard Aaron Cohen said that without specialist UK police protection, the threat to the pair and son Archie could be greater than had they remained in Britain. Aaron, 43, who has shielded stars including Brad Pitt and the Kardashians, added that private security firm salaries are double those of royal protection officers. He concluded: “It requires a lot of work and a highly-trained team to enforce the layers of protection to keep a family of their stature safe. It could top £5million.” The ex-head of Scotland Yard’s Royal Protection Squad Dai Davis said: “Just because Harry no longer sees himself as a royal it doesn’t mean he will stop being a target.”

6 The Sussexes have said they will split time between the two countries Credit: EPA

6 Meghan started the process towards British naturalisation soon after their royal wedding Credit: Reuters

6 The Queen's illness forced her to miss her annual visit to Sandrigham Women's Institute Credit: Bav Media

6 Prince Philip visited the Queen as she was seen out for the first time since her cold Credit: Bav Media

Ellen DeGeneres is says she's 'excited' about getting Meghan Markle's first interview since leaving royal duty