The British press has very harshly criticized Prince Harry and Meghan Markle for their recent family vacation to France. Photos of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex traveling to the south of France with baby Archie recently came out in public. Critics weren't pleased that they flew in a private jet.
The couple traveled to Ibiza for Meghan's birthday weeks prior, where they allegedly also flew private. The critics didn't exactly think it was the best use of public funds. They also claim it doesn't gel with the duke and duchess's environmentally friendly initiatives. Following the dialogue in the press, Elton John decided to speak out on the subject.
Elton released a statement on the matter via Instagram. He posted a photo of Harry and Meghan meeting with young children and slammed the press for their harsh criticism. He went on to detail his close relationship with the late Princess Diana, and how that relationship has extended to her children.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have been criticized greatly in the last few months for their spending. The criticism started in June when the royal family's annual financial report was released. People were upset at how much the renovation of Frogmore Cottage cost the public.
An additional $1.2 million was spent on the royal family's work-related travel overseas. The family's travel for work also accounted for a 93% increase in carbon emissions. Both cost and carbon emissions came under fire after a recent trip that Harry, Meghan, and Archie took.
The British press has been slamming the Duke and Duchess of Sussex for taking a private jet to vacation in the south of France with son Archie. Paparazzi captured photos of the family getting on board a private jet, and they claim it's far from their first private flight this summer.
The press also alleges the family boarded a private jet for Ibiza to celebrate Meghan's birthday. The accusations contend that by traveling in a private jet, Harry and Meghan are both contradicting their dedication to helping the environment and costing the public too much money.
Family friend Elton John decided to speak out in defense of Harry and Meghan. On the latest trip, the couple was traveling to his home in Nice for a brief vacation, as he explains in his statement shared on all of his social media accounts.
Elton shared a photo of Harry and Meghan meeting with children and wrote, "I am deeply distressed by today’s distorted and malicious account in the press surrounding the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s private stay at my home in Nice last week."
He reminded the public of his close friendship with the late Princess Diana. He explained: "Prince Harry’s Mother, Diana Princess Of Wales was one of my dearest friends. I feel a profound sense of obligation to protect Harry and his family from the unnecessary press intrusion that contributed to Diana’s untimely death."
Elton went on to note the conditions surrounding the family's vacation to his home. "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," he explained.
"To maintain a high level of much-needed protection, we provided them with a private jet flight," Elton continued. "To support Prince Harry’s commitment to the environment, we ensured their flight was carbon neutral, by making the appropriate contribution to Carbon Footprint™."
"I highly respect and applaud both Harry and Meghan’s commitment to charity and I’m calling on the press to cease these relentless and untrue assassinations on their character that are spuriously crafted on an almost daily basis," Elton concluded.
Elton wasn't the only one calling out the press on Harry and Meghan's behalf. Ellen DeGeneres also spoke out on behalf of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex in a message shared across her social media accounts. "Portia and I met Prince Harry and Meghan in England to talk about their work on wildlife conservation," she wrote.
She continued: "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."
It wasn't as aggressive a message as Elton's, but it clearly shows where she stands.
Meghan in particular has been a target since joining the royal family. People have complained about her wardrobe, her relationship with staff, and her traveling. Her New York City baby shower was slammed by many, although it was believed to be paid for by the friends who hosted the event.
Harry and Meghan are sadly stuck in a predicament. As public figures whose lives are, to a degree, paid for by the public, they're constantly scrutinized. Thankfully, a few famous friends can speak to their true character and their genuine desire to change the world.
