The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, also known as Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, have once again found themselves embroiled in a contentious debate.

This time, the focal point is the royal titles they have chosen for their children, Archie and Lilibet.

The controversy ignited when Harry and Meghan referred to their son and daughter as Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, allegedly extending an invitation to King Charles III and Prince William for Lilibet’s christening, which purportedly was turned down.

This move has sparked a fiery discussion, with critics accusing the couple of infringing on their children’s constitutional rights and seeking attention, while supporters argue that they are simply asserting their rightful entitlement to these titles.

At the crux of the matter lies the intricate and often puzzling regulations concerning royal titles.

Traditionally, grandchildren of the monarch are permitted to use the titles of Prince or Princess.

However, following Harry and Meghan’s withdrawal from their royal obligations in 2020, it was widely assumed that their children would not automatically inherit these titles.

This assumption was rooted in a letters patent issued by King George V in 1917, which restricted the usage of such titles to the offspring and grandchildren of the sovereign.

Nonetheless, the Sussexes maintain that, with the anticipated reign of King Charles III, their children qualify as grandchildren of the monarch and hence are eligible for the titles of Prince and Princess.

Despite Archie and Lilibet being American citizens with no active role in the British royal family, Harry and Meghan persist in using these titles, triggering outrage among critics who fear the children may face bullying due to their royal status while the couple distances themselves from the monarchy.

Adding to the tension, Ngozi Falani, a prominent black British charity leader, alleges possessing a recording of an incident at Meghan’s residence where a royal household member purportedly questioned her nationality.

Falani demands a public apology, escalating tensions and allegations of racism within the palace.

Supporters of Harry and Meghan argue that the couple is merely asserting their rightful claim to these titles, highlighting the ongoing discrimination and scrutiny they face post their royal exit.

Notably, the U.S. Constitution prohibits the bestowal of noble titles and bars American citizens from accepting foreign titles without congressional approval.

This raises concerns about whether Harry and Meghan’s insistence on royal titles for their children violates this constitutional provision, with critics suggesting the couple disregards legal and cultural norms in pursuit of attention and status while distancing themselves from the monarchy.

Opponents contend that the Sussexes are undermining the very institutions they profess to defend, asserting that their actions contravene the principles of a democratic society.

However, supporters counter that the couple faces continual discrimination and double standards, maintaining that their use of royal titles is a personal prerogative.

As the debate intensifies, the outcome of this latest episode in the Sussex saga remains uncertain.

Will Harry and Meghan’s insistence on royal titles be perceived as a legitimate exercise of their rights, or will it be condemned as a desperate and unconstitutional bid for attention and status?

Only time will reveal the verdict, but one thing is certain – the controversy surrounding the Sussexes shows no signs of waning anytime soon.