Prince Harry and Meghan Markle criticized over daughter Lilibet’s boat photo

Published March 9th, 2025 - 03:25 GMT
Harry and Meghan Markle
Prince Harry (R) and Meghan Markle (L), the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, attend the 2020 UN Nelson Mandela Prize award ceremony at the United Nations in New York on July 18, 2022. The Prize is being awarded to Marianna Vardinoyannis of Greece and Doctor Morissanda Kouyate of Guinea. (Photo by TIMOTHY A. CLARY / AFP)

ALBAWABA - After posting a picture of their three-year-old daughter Lilibet on a boat excursion in honor of International Women's Day without a life jacket, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have drawn harsh criticism.

Meghan shared the image on Instagram, showing Lilibet sitting on Harry's knee as he gives her a head kiss.  Social media users, however, voiced their concerns, pointing out that California law mandates that children under the age of 13 wear life jackets while the boat is moving.

The Daily Mail claims that this rule is applicable to boats of all sizes.

Critics warned of the possibility of unexpected mishaps and branded Harry and Meghan as "irresponsible" parents.

"Even pet owners ensure their animals wear life jackets—why wouldn’t they do the same for their child?"

The couple was accused by others of prioritizing looks above the safety of their kid.

Some people defended them, claiming that Lilibet was not in imminent danger and that the boat may have been still when the picture was shot.

The picture, which included a snapshot of Meghan with her mother, Doria Ragland, and another of Meghan and Harry smiling on the beach, was part of a series of images honoring strong women, despite the criticism.

Meghan's new Netflix series "With Love, Meghan" was released at the same time as the incident, but it hasn't been well received.  The presentation was criticized for "lacking depth" and Meghan was charged of attempting to maintain her public persona.

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