Questions of allegiance

Howe's claim to be 'King of Man' raises a question about his US citizenship that may have practical implications both for him and for his claim.

This is because, as a US citizen, he claims to be the sovereign of a foreign state (the Isle of Man).

How to lose US citizenship

The US Immigration and Nationality Act sets out the circumstances under which US citizenship may be lost.  These provisions may be found here:

http://www.uscis.gov/propub/ProPubVAP.jsp?dockey=cb90c19a50729fb47fb0686648558dbe

This legislation [ss349, 356] states that US citizenship may be lost by becoming a citizen of a foreign state, or by taking an oath of allegiance to a foreign state, or by accepting any governmental office or post of a foreign state which requires an oath of allegiance or similar.

By claiming to be ‘King’ of the Isle of Man, it appears that Howe says he occupies an office of a foreign state, viz the office of the King of Man.

Oath of allegiance

According to his website www.royaltyofman.com as at 14 January 2008, Howe "was crowned the undisputed King of the Isle of Man on Friday 30th March 2007... in a private crowning ceremony".

A coronation usually involves a number of elements.  These include the placing of a crown upon the head and the administration of an oath whereby the new monarch promises to serve his country.

Howe's alleged coronation was held in private - an unusual characteristic for what is normally considered a public act - and the elements of it remain unclear.  The 'archbisop' is not named, and therefore cannot be approached in order to confirm his credentials, or the nature of his participation, or the details of the event.  No information has been published as to what form of an oath or similar declaration was administered, if any.

It is therefore unclear whether, in pursuing this enterprise, Howe has forfeited or otherwise jeopardised his US citizenship.