Yes, a royal can marry a foreigner. While historical and traditional considerations existed, there are generally no strict legal prohibitions preventing a royal from marrying someone who is not a citizen of their country.
Historical Context
Historically, royal marriages were often strategic alliances between nations. Marrying within one's own country, let alone marrying a "commoner" (someone not of noble birth), was often frowned upon. However, modern royal families are less bound by these considerations.
Modern Royal Marriages
Several modern royal marriages demonstrate that marrying a foreigner is indeed possible:
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Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother (nee Lady Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon): While British herself, she was not royal by birth and thus could be considered not of equivalent status to her husband, King George VI. However, the main point is she was British.
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Princess Michael of Kent (nee Baroness Marie Christine von Reibnitz): Married Prince Michael of Kent, a grandson of King George V. She is of Austro-Hungarian and German descent.
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Prince Harry and Meghan Markle: Meghan Markle is an American citizen. This is a high-profile recent example of a British royal marrying a foreigner.
Rules and Regulations
While there isn't a ban on marrying foreigners, certain protocols and guidelines may be in place. These can include:
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Royal Consent: In the UK, the monarch's consent may be required for marriages of certain members of the royal family under the Succession to the Crown Act.
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Titles and Succession: The marriage may affect the line of succession or any titles held by the royal. This is considered on a case-by-case basis.
Summary
Although historical practices often prioritized marriages within royal circles, the modern era allows for greater flexibility. There are no explicit legal barriers preventing a royal from marrying a foreigner, though specific rules and conventions may still apply.
