The debate surrounding Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s recent use of private jets shows no signs of cooling off.
One royal expert says the royal couple are embroiled in a dilemma they “can’t win”.
High-profile celebrities and commentators have leaped to the royal couple’s defense.
But critics are refusing to back down over the perceived “hypocrisy” of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex promoting their environmentally-conscious brand and taking four private flights in the space of 11 days.
On Monday it was revealed that iconic singer and friend of the royal family Elton John had chartered his own jet to fly Harry and Meghan to stay at his villa in the south of France for a recent holiday.
Elton John said he is ‘deeply distressed’ at the media coverage of Harry and Meghan’s private jet trip.
Do you think the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are being unfairly criticised? @toryboypierce | @AyoCaesar | @juliemontagu | #GMB pic.twitter.com/d2w7JZjKrP
— Good Morning Britain (@GMB) August 20, 2019
He revealed he also made an appropriate contribution to Carbon Footprint.
After a hectic year continuing their hard work and dedication to charity, David and I wanted the young family to have a private holiday inside the safety and tranquility of our home. To maintain a high level of much-needed protection, we provided them with a private jet flight.
— Elton John (@eltonofficial) August 19, 2019
However, the Duke and Duchess have found themselves between a rock and a hard place.
As a pair, they have long conveyed their eco-conscious message to the world and promote their fight for sustainability in the face of climate change.
They’ve committed to not bringing more than two children into a world that’s facing an uncertain future.
But their decision to fly to Ibiza for Meghan’s 38th birthday by private jet caused worldwide controversy, which was compounded when it was revealed they’d then flown to Nice in a private plane for a second holiday.
Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams told The Express the royal couple “can’t win”.
“On official business such as trips abroad, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the host country pay, and obviously security is paramount.
“If you take a particularly high profile line on climate change the press highlight private jets if you use them, regardless of whether the carbon emissions are offset.
“The problem is that on their holidays Harry and Meghan will take Archie and want privacy,’ he told The Express.
Outspoken TV personality Piers Morgan has been posting a string of messages taking aim at Harry and Meghan’s jaunts – even goading them to try economy class some time.
Memo to ‘eco-warriors’ Meghan & Harry: this is what Economy to Nice looks like. Try it some time. @British_Airways #ManOfThePeople pic.twitter.com/yDT4CElrN4
— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) August 20, 2019
, but the likes of Ellen DeGeneres have offered their support for the royal couple
Portia and I met Prince Harry and Meghan in England to talk about their work on wildlife conservation. They were the most down-to-earth, compassionate people. Imagine being attacked for everything you do, when all you’re trying to do is make the world better. pic.twitter.com/226pRO1fj1
— Ellen DeGeneres (@TheEllenShow) August 19, 2019
Harry and Meghan jet off to Ibiza
Last week it was revealed Harry and Meghan took baby Archie on his first trip abroad by chartering a private jet to Ibiza.
The trip was to celebrate Meghan’s 38th birthday.
It was previously revealed that her birthday would be a “low-key” affair following an extravagant $300,000 baby shower in New York for Archie.
Climate change – Google it
Before heading to Ibiza, Prince Harry had given a keynote speech at Camp Google in Sicily, before making the short trip across the Mediterranean by private jet to join his wife and son.
The annual event is an opulent retreat attended by scores of fellow A-list celebrities and influential figures who flew in on a combined 114 private jets.
The lavishness on display at the luxurious Verdura resort in Sicily, attended by the world’s super-rich and powerful, raised huge question marks about the retreat’s authority to call for action on climate change.
Harry delivered an impassioned speech on the subject, even confirming that he and Meghan would be doing their bit by not having more than two children.
A source close to the opulent three-day gathering told the New York Post: “I’ve never seen such a pampered bunch. Everything is laid on for them. It’s so extravagant.
“They just don’t seem to be aware that they’re the ones burning huge amounts of fossil fuels.
“They turn up with unnecessary entourages in helicopters or fast cars and then preach about saving the world.”
More from MiNDFOOD on Harry and Meghan:
Elton John reveals he flew Harry and Meghan to Nice on his own jet
Harry and Meghan court controversy for flying by private jet to Ibizia
Kate and Wills’ parenting tips for Harry and Meghan as they welcome baby Archie
