Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s selection of royal titles for their children, Archie and Lilibet, who are known as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, has ignited a fresh wave of controversy.
The focal point of the debate revolves around whether it is appropriate for Archie and Lilibet to bear these prestigious titles.
Initially identified as Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet by the couple themselves, they reportedly extended an invitation to King Charles III and Prince William, the Prince of Wales, for Baby Lily’s christening, which purportedly was turned down.
This move has led critics to question the potential violation of constitutional rights and has raised concerns about the perception of seeking attention.
Supporters of Harry and Meghan argue that the couple has every right to bestow these titles upon their children, asserting that they are well within their entitlement to do so.
The heart of the matter lies in the complex and often unclear regulations governing royal titles.
Traditionally, grandchildren of the reigning monarch are entitled to hold the prince or princess titles.
However, following Harry and Meghan’s decision to step back from their official royal duties in 2020, speculations arose that their children might not automatically inherit these titles.
This speculation stemmed from a letters patent issued by King George V in 1917, which restricted the usage of such titles exclusively to children and grandchildren of the sovereign.
Despite this historical precedent, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have maintained that their offspring should be granted the prince and princess titles upon King Charles III’s eventual ascension, citing their status as grandchildren of the monarch.
Despite being American citizens with no active involvement in British royal affairs, Harry and Meghan have been adamant about using these titles for their children.
Critics, however, raise concerns about the potential repercussions of granting Archie and Lilibet such privileges, including the risk of exposing them to undue scrutiny and bullying.
Some argue that distancing themselves from the royal family may compromise their safety and integrity for personal gain.
The situation is further complicated by allegations of racism within the palace, with prominent Black British charity leader Gozi Fani claiming to possess a recording of a royal household member questioning Meghan’s nationality during a visit to her home.
Fani has demanded a public apology in response to this alleged incident.
Supporters of Harry and Meghan contend that the couple is well within their rights to claim these titles for their children, dismissing accusations of discrimination given their decision to step back from royal duties.
It is worth noting that under American law, bestowing nobility and accepting foreign titles requires congressional approval, leading some to question whether the couple’s use of royal titles for their children could potentially violate this legal provision.