The image, part of a series celebrating International Women’s Day, showcased Prince Harry holding Lilibet while on a boat, with water visible in the background. ​

Credit: Meghan Markle / Instagram

Social media users quickly voiced their concerns over the apparent lack of safety precautions. One user commented, “Prince Harry & Meghan Markle are so good at showing the world how much they suck at being parents What f****ng moron doesn’t put their child in a safety vest while boating.”

Another added, “Family has been in the boating industry for four generations; a very big no no! Things happen in a blink of an eye.” ​

The backlash highlights the scrutiny public figures face regarding their parenting choices, especially when safety is perceived to be compromised. Boating safety experts emphasize the importance of life jackets for children.

The U.S. Coast Guard advises that all children under 13 should wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket while on a moving vessel. This recommendation aims to prevent drowning incidents, which remain a leading cause of accidental death among young children.​

In addition to the boating photo, Markle’s post included other personal images: a recent one with her mother, Doria Ragland; a snapshot of her and Prince Harry on a beach; and a black-and-white childhood photo with her mother.

Credit: Meghan Markle / Instagram

She captioned the collection, “Celebrating the strong women around us & the girls with dreams who will become women with vision. Also thanking those who uplift us every day.” ​

This incident isn’t the first time the Sussexes have faced public scrutiny over their parenting decisions. Their high-profile status often subjects them to heightened public attention, with supporters and critics alike weighing in on their choices.​

Check out the rest of the photos:Beyond the recent controversy, Meghan Markle has been in the news for her Netflix lifestyle show, With Love, Meghan.

The series, which features Markle sharing recipes and hosting tips alongside celebrity guests, was recently renewed for a second season despite receiving mixed reviews. Some critics described the show as “cringey” and lacking authenticity.

British broadcaster and photographer Helena Chard commented, “Meghan seems eager to play the altruistic, kind soul, but it is a tad smarmy. My toes are curling.… This is so cringey and not fun at all. It feels too staged, and the tips and tricks are far too basic… Meghan comes across as a modern Stepford Wife.” ​

The show’s format has also drawn comparisons to Pamela Anderson’s cooking show on the Flavor Network, leading to discussions about originality and content overlap.

Despite the critiques, Markle announced the show’s renewal on Instagram, expressing excitement for the upcoming season and gratitude towards her team and viewers. ​

The convergence of personal and professional challenges underscores the complexities public figures like Meghan Markle navigate.

Balancing public expectations with personal choices remains a delicate endeavor, especially when actions are magnified on global platforms.