A photograph of Princess Lilibet Diana without a life jacket on a moving vessel has stirred a wave of criticism against Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. The image, shared as part of a family photo montage for International Women's Day, drew attention due to Californian laws mandating life jackets for children under 13 on moving boats. The couple, however, might not have breached the law if the photograph was taken outside California or while the boat was docked.
In California, stringent laws require children under 13 to wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket in serviceable condition while on any moving vessel. Exceptions exist for children tethered to a sailboat by a harness, those in enclosed cabins, or during emergency rescues. The law aims to prevent tragic incidents, as several drownings have resulted from children not wearing life jackets. Meanwhile, the UK's regulations do not mandate life jackets for children on boats, potentially contributing to the confusion.
Fans expressed dismay on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) over the absence of a life jacket on Lilibet. The post came amidst the couple's increased public presence, following the launch of Meghan's Netflix series "With Love, Meghan," with a second season anticipated this autumn.
The controversy may be mitigated by the possibility that the photograph was taken during a vacation in Costa Rica in late 2023, where different regulations might apply. Alternatively, the image could have been captured while the boat was moored, which would not contravene Californian law.
The Sussexes' decision to share this intimate family moment has inadvertently sparked an international debate on boating safety and legal compliance. This incident highlights the contrasting regulations between countries and serves as a reminder of the importance of adhering to local laws to ensure safety.
