A California Beach Day Sparks Debate: Harry, Meghan, and Archie’s Surfing Adventure
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex recently enjoyed a family outing at Santa Claus Beach in Carpinteria, California, on August 1st, 2025, an event that quickly ignited a firestorm of online discussion. Six-year-old Prince Archie was the star of the show, taking surfing lessons while his parents watched from the shore. Images surfaced on social media (via Page Six’s Instagram), showing a relaxed Harry in a gray shirt and black shorts, sporting a baseball cap, and Meghan in a white shirt and shorts, shielded by a large sun hat. Princess Lilibet was notably absent from the beach day photos.
Mixed Reactions: A Divided Public Opinion
Positive Feedback: Embracing Adventure
Many online commentators praised the couple’s approach, highlighting their encouragement of Archie’s adventurous spirit. Comments ranged from heartfelt expressions of joy for the family (“Out there, living their best lives. Oh, this makes me so happy for them
“) to observations on Archie’s rapid growth (“Omg 6 already, he’s getting so big”). Several lauded the lack of overprotective sheltering (“Let’s not focus on the parents. It’s good to see Archie not sheltered”).
Criticism: Concerns Over Parental Supervision
However, a significant portion of the public expressed strong disapproval, questioning the parents’ level of supervision. Concerns were raised about the perceived distance between the parents and Archie during his surfing lesson, with some commenters expressing disbelief and concern about potential risks (“Your 6yo son are on sea having lessons with someone and you don’t watch them closely? Don’t you worry about it?”). The perceived lack of attention was a major point of contention, with accusations of negligence (“Not paying one iota of attention to their 6-year-old on the beach. A recipe for disaster”). Further criticism targeted the couple’s seeming willingness to share the images with the paparazzi, seen by some as exploitative.
Behind the Smiles: Tensions Within the Royal Couple?
While the beach day presented a picture of family unity, reports suggest simmering tensions behind the scenes. According to Matt Wilkinson, royal editor for The Sun, and featured on HELLO!’s “A Right Royal” podcast, differing opinions on their children’s public exposure are a growing source of conflict between Harry and Meghan.
Clashing Views on Privacy
Wilkinson suggests that Harry prefers a much more private upbringing for his children, fearing the relentless paparazzi attention. This contrasts sharply with Meghan’s approach, reflecting her California upbringing and desire for a more open lifestyle for her children. Wilkinson attributes Harry’s reluctance to his own experiences growing up under intense media scrutiny, highlighting the generational and cultural differences in their perspectives.
Meghan’s Brand and Motherhood: A Point of Contention
The debate extends to the integration of Meghan’s burgeoning brand with her role as a mother. While acknowledging that Meghan may not be intentionally exploiting her children, Wilkinson raises concerns that her brand building inadvertently uses their images and public presence for marketing purposes. He cites instances such as her new Netflix series, showcasing elements of family life, and her lifestyle brand, “As Ever,” as potential examples.
Meghan’s Public Persona and Career Ambitions
Since launching a new Instagram account in January 2025, Meghan has amassed a considerable following, with many products featured on her ShopMy page selling out quickly. Her recent interview with a New York Times journalist, conducted in her home, and the subsequent launch of her lifestyle brand, all underscore her active pursuit of professional goals. She emphasizes both a personal passion for her work and a practical need to earn a living.
Despite the criticisms, celebrity chef Carla Hall offers a balanced perspective, emphasizing the impossibility of pleasing everyone. Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, sixth and seventh in line to the British throne, continue to navigate a unique childhood, blending traditional royal expectations with the dynamics of modern celebrity parenting.
