The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are under fire after Meghan Markle shared a rare photo of their daughter, Lilibet celebrating International Women’s Day. What was intended as a touching tribute quickly turned controversial, as critics accused the couple of being “irresponsible” for allowing their young daughter on a boat without a life vest.
Meghan, 43, shared a photo on Instagram, showing her three-year-old daughter, Lilibet, curled up on her father Prince Harry’s lap as he gently kissed her head while they enjoyed a boat ride together.
The social media post also featured more images celebrating inspiring women, including a charming selfie of Meghan with her mother, Doria Ragland, and a heartfelt snapshot of Meghan and Harry laughing and hugging on the beach.
The caption read: “Celebrating the strong women around us & the girls with dreams who will become women with vision. Also thanking those who uplift us every day.”
However, numerous social media followers expressed concern regarding the absence of a safety vest on the three-year-old in the photograph.
Users on X shared their opinions, with many criticising the former royal couple. Whilst some labelled it ‘irresponsible’, others highlighted its illegality. In California, where the couple lives with their two children, state law mandates that all children under 13 must wear a life jacket while aboard a moving vessel of any size.
“Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are so good at showing the world how much they suck at being parents,” stated one viral post on X.
“Prince Harry & Meghan Markle never have the basic necessities for child safety which makes me question if they are parents. Where are the car seats? Where are the life vests? Do any children even live with them?” another posted on X.
One response noted, “They’re not even wearing seatbelts and life vests. Reckless.”
“I’ve had boats my entire life. My children grew up to have their own boats. ALWAYS have a life jacket on your children,” read another comment.
“How irresponsible,’ criticised one individual. ‘Even pet owners put life vests on their pets when riding in boats.”
A separate post stated: “Meghan also had Archie on her lap without a seatbelt on herself or him in his car seat as legally required. The vehicle was going quite fast too.”