The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, otherwise known as Harry and Meghan, have once again found themselves at the center of controversy. This time, their Women’s Day Instagram post featuring their elusive daughter, Lilibet, has sparked heated debate. The photo, meant to be a heartwarming moment, shows Harry sharing a tender moment with his three-year-old daughter during a serene boat ride. However, eagle-eyed critics quickly spotted an issue—Lilibet was not wearing a life jacket.
While the image was intended to portray a picture-perfect family outing, it raised questions about child safety. In California, where the Sussexes reside, state law mandates that all children under 13 must wear a life jacket when on a moving vessel. Yet, this essential safety measure appeared to be overlooked—prompting many to call out the couple’s apparent disregard for basic precautions.
Critics wasted no time pointing out the irony. Prince Harry has frequently spoken about his deep concerns for his family’s safety, even citing it as a key reason for stepping back from royal duties. Yet, his actions don’t seem to align with his words. One online user remarked, “For someone so terrified about protecting his children, he sure doesn’t seem too worried about drowning risks.”
Beyond the safety concerns, another element of the post caught the public’s attention—Lilibet’s ever-changing look. Royal watchers have long noted the inconsistencies in photos of the Sussex children. One day, Lilibet has light blonde hair, the next she appears with a darker, shorter style. Archie, meanwhile, seems to have an uncanny ability to look the same age for years.
These inconsistencies have fueled speculation, with one online commenter joking, “Where did they borrow this one from?” Another added, “The rental agency couldn’t provide the same kid twice?” While these remarks may be tongue-in-cheek, they reflect a broader skepticism surrounding the couple’s carefully curated public image.
This isn’t the first time Harry and Meghan have been accused of neglecting child safety. Previously, they were criticized for allowing Archie to ride in a car without a seatbelt—another questionable parenting decision that sparked backlash. With each misstep, many are left wondering how long it will be before California child services takes notice.
Adding to the intrigue, some have speculated whether the boat ride was even real. Given Meghan’s reputation for highly produced and carefully staged public appearances, there are those who believe the entire scene was orchestrated. Could this be just another attempt to craft a picture-perfect narrative for their brand? At this point, nothing would come as a surprise.
If the Sussexes were hoping for positive PR with this post, it seems to have backfired—much like their ill-fated Spotify deal. Instead of admiration, they’ve once again invited scrutiny and criticism. Whether it’s a simple oversight or another calculated move, one thing is clear: Meghan and Harry’s every move continues to be dissected, and they just can’t seem to avoid controversy.
