The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are in hot water after Meghan Markle shared an Instagram photo of their daughter, Lilibet, that has sparked serious concerns about child safety. What was meant to be a heartfelt tribute on International Women’s Day turned controversial when critics slammed the couple for allowing their three-year-old daughter to ride on a boat without a life vest.

In the now-infamous post, Meghan shared a tender moment showing Lilibet snuggled on Prince Harry's lap while he kissed her head during a family boat excursion. Alongside this image, the post featured additional photos celebrating empowered women, including a delightful selfie of Meghan with her mother, Doria Ragland, and a joyful snapshot of Meghan and Harry sharing a laugh on the beach.

The caption read: "Celebrating the strong women around us & the girls with dreams who will become women with vision. Also thanking those who uplift us every day." However, many fans quickly turned their attention from the message of empowerment to a rising concern regarding safety.

Across social media platforms, particularly X (formerly known as Twitter), users voiced their criticism regarding Lilibet's lack of a life jacket. Commenters called the couple “irresponsible” for disregarding child safety regulations, especially given California's strict laws, which mandate that all children under 13 must wear a life jacket when on a moving vessel.

One viral post summed up the outrage: "Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are so good at showing the world how much they suck at being parents." Another user questioned their parenting choices altogether, asking, “Where are the car seats? Do any children even live with them?”

Comments poured in expressing disbelief, including one that read, "They're not even wearing seatbelts or life vests. Reckless." Another echoed the sentiment by emphasizing that responsible parenting requires constant vigilance, saying, "I've had boats my entire life. My children grew up to have their own boats. ALWAYS have a life jacket on your children."

Additionally, critics pointed out past lapses in safety, such as a previous instance where Meghan was seen driving her son Archie without proper restraints, further questioning their commitment to child safety measures.

As the backlash continues, many wonder if public scrutiny of celebrity parenting will compel the Sussexes to rethink their approach to safety while enjoying family time. Amidst the criticism, it's clear that this incident has reignited discussions about parental responsibilities—especially for those in the public eye. How will Meghan and Harry respond to this growing outcry? Only time will tell.