Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, known as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, have once again found themselves at the center of controversy.
Their latest Instagram post in celebration of Women’s Day, featuring a rare glimpse of their daughter, Lilibet, has ignited heated debate. The image, intended to capture a tender family moment, shows Harry sharing a peaceful boat ride with their three-year-old daughter. However, sharp-eyed critics quickly noticed an issue—Lilibet was not wearing a life jacket.
While the post was likely meant to showcase a picturesque outing, it inadvertently raised concerns about child safety. In California, where the couple resides, state law requires all children under 13 to wear a life jacket while on a moving boat. This apparent oversight did not go unnoticed, with many questioning why such a basic precaution was ignored. Critics were quick to point out the contradiction, given Harry’s repeated emphasis on his family’s safety. His concerns over security have been cited as a major factor in stepping away from royal duties, yet this incident seemed to contradict his stated priorities. One social media user remarked that for someone so preoccupied with protecting his children, he did not appear particularly worried about the risks of drowning.
Beyond the safety concerns, another aspect of the post caught public attention—Lilibet’s changing appearance. Observers have long noted the inconsistencies in photos of the Sussex children, with Lilibet sometimes appearing to have light blonde hair and, at other times, a darker, shorter hairstyle. Archie, too, has been remarked upon for seemingly looking the same age for an unusually long time. These discrepancies have fueled speculation, leading to sarcastic online comments suggesting the couple “borrowed” a child for the occasion or that the “rental agency” failed to provide the same child twice. While these remarks may be intended as lighthearted jokes, they highlight the growing skepticism surrounding the Sussexes’ carefully managed public image.
This is not the first time Harry and Meghan have been accused of neglecting basic child safety measures. In a previous incident, they faced backlash for allowing Archie to ride in a car without a seatbelt, another parenting decision that sparked criticism. With each controversy, some have begun to question whether California’s child services might eventually intervene.
Adding further intrigue, some have speculated about whether the boat ride itself was even real. Meghan has a well-documented reputation for carefully curated public appearances, leading some to believe the entire scene may have been orchestrated for publicity. Could this be another carefully crafted moment designed to enhance their brand? At this point, nothing would come as a surprise.
If the Sussexes had hoped this post would generate positive PR, the reaction suggests otherwise. Instead of admiration, they have once again found themselves facing scrutiny and criticism. Much like their ill-fated Spotify deal, this latest move appears to have backfired. Whether this was an innocent oversight or a calculated attempt to control their narrative, one thing is certain—Meghan and Harry remain under constant public scrutiny, and controversy seems to follow them wherever they go.
