Meghan Markle and Prince Harry, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, have recently come under scrutiny for their frequent international flights, especially given their vocal advocacy for environmental causes. The couple, known for their global engagements and initiatives, have been traveling extensively, raising eyebrows among royal commentators and the public.
The couple's recent travel itinerary has included several international flights to various events around the world. Notably, many of these flights were for private activities, such as a visit to Princess Eugenie in Portugal. While the couple continues to champion the cause of climate change and the importance of reducing carbon footprints, their actions seem to be at odds with their public statements.
Prince Harry, in particular, has been a prominent voice on environmental issues. In a 2019 interview with Vogue, he expressed concerns about the planet's future, stating, "We are the one species on this planet that seems to think that this place belongs to us and only us." He also mentioned his decision to have only two children due to concerns about climate change. However, the couple's frequent travels, many of them on private jets, have led to accusations of hypocrisy.
Richard Fitzwilliams, a royal expert, pointed out the apparent contradiction in the couple's actions. "If you preach about climate change, as Harry and Meghan do, you should, where possible, practice what you preach," he remarked. He further highlighted Harry's past conversations about the environmental impact of long flights and carbon emissions, contrasting them with the couple's recent travel choices.
The criticism has intensified with revelations that the Sussexes have taken more international trips, many private, than other members of the British royal family. This discrepancy has not gone unnoticed, with many commentators quick to highlight the double standards.
In defense of their travel choices, the Sussexes have emphasized their commitment to becoming carbon-neutral by 2030 through their Archewell initiative. While they acknowledge the necessity of some flights for work and personal reasons, they have been urged to be more transparent about their choices and to align their actions more closely with their public advocacy.
Prince Harry's involvement with Travalyst, a travel initiative he founded in 2019, has also been a topic of discussion. Despite reports suggesting he was removed from the board of directors, the organization reaffirmed his integral role, with CEO Sally Davey stating, "Prince Harry is the founder of Travalyst and remains an invaluable part of this organization."
As the debate continues, it remains to be seen how the Duke and Duchess will address these concerns and whether their actions will align more closely with their environmental advocacy in the future.
