Prince Harry and Meghan Markle suffer backlash after sharing new photo of Princess Lilibet
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have sparked controversy after the Duchess of Sussex shared a photo of their daughter Princess Lilibet on a boat without wearing a lifejacket.
The image was posted as part of a montage celebrating International Women’s Day.
The sweet snap shows Harry cuddling three-year-old Lilibet on board a vessel, with the Duke wearing a backwards baseball cap and shorts whilst planting a kiss on his daughter’s head.
Critics have pointed out that in California, where the Sussexes reside, children under 13 must wear lifejackets at all times on moving vessels.
The youngster was dressed in a bright pink T-shirt and floral leggings, but notably without any safety gear.
The photo has ignited debate online about parental responsibility and water safety regulations.
California law is clear on the matter of children’s safety on boats.
The state requires all children under 13 to wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket at all times whilst on a moving vessel of any length.
The life vest must be in serviceable condition and appropriate for the conditions and activity.
There are limited exemptions to this rule. Children tethered to a sailboat by a harness are not required to wear life jackets.
Those in enclosed cabins are also exempt. The law also makes allowances for emergency rescue situations.
Failure to comply with these regulations could potentially result in legal consequences for boat operators.
The Sussexes, who are known to be devoted parents to Lilibet and her five-year-old brother Prince Archie, may have been moored at the time of the photograph.
It’s also possible the image was not taken in California waters at all.
GB News has contacted the Duke and Duchess of Sussex for comment.
The public reaction to the photo has been mixed on social media.
Some users expressed concern about the apparent safety oversight.
“A child on a boat without a lifejacket makes me cringe. We’ve had several drownings in our state for that very reason,” wrote one critic.
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Another commented: “How irresponsible. Even pet owners put life vests on their pets when riding in boats.”
However, many supporters defended the couple, suggesting the circumstances may not be as they appear.
“They may be tied up at the dock,” one person pointed out.
In Britain, it is not currently mandatory by law for children to wear life jackets on boats, although it is strongly recommended.