Meghan Markle and Harry face backlash over Lilibet’s boat photo without life jacket in California

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry, the couple who stepped away from British royalty in 2020 to pursue a quieter life in Montecito, California, have found themselves at the center of a firestorm after posting a photo of their daughter, Lilibet Diana, on a boat without a life jacket. Shared on Meghan’s Instagram on March 8, 2025, to mark International Women’s Day, the image shows the three-year-old in her father’s arms during a seemingly relaxed family moment. However, the absence of a life jacket—required by California law for children under 13 on moving vessels—sparked widespread criticism and ignited a global debate about parental negligence. The post, which also featured Meghan with Harry and her mother, Doria Ragland, shifted from a celebratory tribute to a lightning rod for controversy, amassing thousands of comments within hours. Aquatic safety experts and online users highlighted the seriousness of the oversight, while some supporters argued the boat might have been stationary, though no evidence in the photo confirms this. The incident has once again exposed the intense scrutiny faced by the couple as public figures and reignited discussions about child safety in recreational water activities.

The photo marks a rare public glimpse of Lilibet, who, along with her five-year-old brother Archie, is typically shielded from the spotlight by her parents, who prioritize privacy and security. In the image, Harry is seen kissing his daughter’s head as she wears a pink T-shirt and floral leggings, capturing a tender moment by the water. Meghan’s caption, “Celebrating the strong women around us and the girls with dreams who will become women with vision,” aimed to emphasize empowerment, but attention swiftly turned to the missing life jacket. In the United States, where drowning ranks as the second-leading cause of accidental death among children aged 1 to 4, claiming around 300 lives annually, the lack of this safety gear struck many as a glaring mistake, especially given the couple’s worldwide influence.

The fallout spread beyond social media, drawing coverage from international outlets that questioned whether the incident reflects a one-off lapse or a broader pattern of carelessness. With no statement from Meghan, Harry, or their Archewell team clarifying whether the boat was moving or anchored, the controversy took on a life of its own, fueled by debates over local laws and the duty of celebrities to set positive examples. Coming just days after the debut of Meghan’s Netflix series, With Love, Meghan, the episode added another layer of attention to a family already accustomed to relentless public examination since leaving the royal fold.

Photo goes viral and splits opinions

Meghan’s Instagram post on March 8 hit millions of views in record time, but what began as a tribute to International Women’s Day morphed into a virtual battleground. Users lambasted the absence of a life jacket on Lilibet, with remarks like “Even my dog wears a life jacket on the boat” and “Total irresponsibility from people with such visibility” flooding platforms. Others leapt to the couple’s defense, suggesting the photo might have been taken in a safe setting, such as a docked boat or shallow waters, though the image offers no clear context to support this.

The split reaction mirrors the polarization that has trailed Meghan and Harry since their royal exit. While some fans praised the sweetness of the father-daughter moment, a rarity given their guarded approach to sharing family images, most zeroed in on safety concerns. On X, the hashtag #LilibetSafety trended heavily on March 9, amplifying the discussion beyond their usual audience and turning it into a global talking point.

California’s legal framework

In California, where the family has lived since 2020, boating safety laws are strict. The U.S. Coast Guard and state regulations mandate that children under 13 wear approved life jackets on moving vessels, except in enclosed cabins or emergencies. Violations can lead to fines of up to $250 per incident, with potential legal action if accidents occur. While the photo of Lilibet shows water in the background, it doesn’t indicate whether the boat was underway, leaving room for speculation about compliance with these rules.

Aquatic safety takes center stage

The controversy thrust aquatic safety into the spotlight, particularly for young children. Globally, drowning accounts for approximately 320,000 deaths annually, according to the World Health Organization, making it a leading cause of accidental fatalities. In the U.S., where Meghan and Harry reside, around 4,000 people drown each year, with 25% being children under 14. Most of these incidents happen during recreational activities like swimming, boating, or lakeside play, often due to missing safety gear or inadequate supervision.

Aquatic safety experts stress that life jackets are non-negotiable for reducing risks. Boats, even in calm waters, pose hazards such as sudden falls, collisions, or unexpected weather shifts. For a three-year-old like Lilibet, the equipment is especially vital, as young children lack the strength and coordination to respond in emergencies. The missing life jacket in the photo raised alarms about the message conveyed by Meghan and Harry, who often champion well-being and social responsibility in their public endeavors.

Constant adult supervision is another critical safeguard. Research shows that 70% of child drownings occur within five minutes, often when caregivers are momentarily distracted. Although Harry is holding Lilibet in the photo, the lack of a life jacket fueled criticism about the need for additional precautions, particularly in a potentially hazardous setting like a boat.

Global response and the couple’s silence

Criticism of Lilibet’s photo transcended U.S. borders, hitting headlines in the UK, Brazil, and beyond. On Instagram, Meghan’s post garnered over 500,000 likes in 48 hours, but the comments—many moderated out of view—showcased a mix of support and outrage. On X, #LilibetSafety became a top trend on March 9, with users sharing personal stories about how life jackets prevented tragedies in their own lives.

Meghan and Harry have yet to address the uproar. No statement has come from their Archewell organization either, leaving the public without details on the photo’s circumstances. This silence has only fueled speculation, with some positing the boat was stationary while others question why the couple didn’t opt for a life jacket to preempt controversy, given their high-profile status.

Timeline of Meghan and Harry’s public life

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s journey has been punctuated by high-profile moments. Here’s a look at key events:

• May 2018: Wedding in Windsor, watched by millions worldwide.
• May 2019: Birth of Archie Harrison in London.
• January 2020: Stepping back from royal duties and relocating to North America.
• June 2021: Birth of Lilibet Diana in Santa Barbara, California.
• March 2025: Backlash erupts over Lilibet’s life jacket-free boat photo.

Since settling in Montecito, the couple has balanced privacy with public projects like Netflix content and philanthropy. The March 8 photo is a rare exception to their usual reticence about sharing family moments, making the ensuing controversy all the more striking.

Key boating safety lessons

The uproar served as a wake-up call about boating safety practices. Here are essential tips for protecting children:

• Mandatory use of life jackets sized for the child’s weight and build.
• Continuous adult supervision, even in calm waters.
• Pre-trip checks of onboard safety equipment.
• Awareness of weather conditions and boat capacity limits.

These guidelines, promoted by maritime authorities, aim to minimize accident risks. For young children like Lilibet, experts recommend life jackets with rescue straps and bright colors to aid visibility in emergencies.

Pressure on public figures mounts

The Lilibet incident underscored the relentless scrutiny Meghan and Harry face as global celebrities. Since leaving the royal family, their every move is dissected, and the life jacket omission was viewed by many as a misstep inconsistent with their advocacy for social good. Critics argue that their influence demands heightened accountability, particularly on issues like child safety.

Child safety organizations seized the opportunity to boost awareness campaigns, noting that consistent life jacket use could prevent up to 85% of drowning deaths among kids in water activities, per U.S.-based Safe Kids Worldwide estimates. The high-profile nature of the case offers a chance to educate millions on preventative measures.

Cultural debate and lasting impact

The controversy also highlighted cultural variances in risk perception. In the UK, life jackets for children on boats aren’t legally required, only recommended, contrasting with California’s stringent rules. Some supporters suggested Meghan and Harry, rooted in British norms, might have underestimated local mandates, though critics countered that adaptation to U.S. laws should be a priority.

The fallout extends beyond this single event, sparking broader conversations about parental responsibility among the famous. What began as a casual snapshot of Lilibet evolved into a symbol of how minor oversights can ignite major debates, especially for figures like Meghan and Harry with a global reach.