Prince Harry and Meghan Markle embrace fresh controversy ahead of their wedding anniversary.

(Courtesy: from The News International, Credit: by WebDesk, Dated: 18 May 2024)

 

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle embrace fresh controversy ahead of their wedding anniversary.

Written by Muhammad Nadeem Khan

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Face Criticism Ahead of Sixth Wedding Anniversary

#NewsReport (from the WebDesk and the other news sources)

As Prince Harry and Meghan Markle approach their sixth wedding anniversary, they find themselves under public scrutiny for accepting complimentary private flights during a recent trip to Nigeria.

The controversy arose after the couple, known for their strong advocacy against climate change, took two free private flights offered by Nigerian airline Air Peace. 

According to reports, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, along with a small entourage, flew on a 120-seat plane for a 664-mile round trip between Abuja and Lagos.

The flights, which occurred on May 12, resulted in approximately 12 tonnes of carbon emissions, significantly higher than the average annual global carbon footprint of around four tonnes per person. This has led to accusations of hypocrisy against Harry and Meghan, especially given their launch of the Travalyst initiative in 2019 to promote sustainable tourism.

Stanley Olisa of Air Peace explained the circumstances of the free flights during the Sussexes' three-day visit to Nigeria, which was part of the celebrations for the 10th anniversary of Harry’s Invictus Games. “The planes were chartered exclusively for the royals and their entourage. They were provided top-tier treatment and everything they wanted was complimentary,” Olisa said.

Air Vice Marshal Abidemi Marquis, who accompanied the couple on the flight, noted that there were only about 15 to 20 people on board. The chairman of Air Peace had offered the free flights as a gesture to support the couple’s visit, which included engagements such as a mental health event at a secondary school in Abuja, a game of sitting volleyball with injured servicemen, and a women’s leadership event co-hosted by Meghan.

Despite traveling to and from Nigeria via British Airways, the courtesy flights have drawn criticism due to Harry’s frequent warnings about environmental issues. 

In a 2021 interview with Oprah Winfrey, Harry expressed concerns about the state of the planet for future generations, and in a 2022 speech at the United Nations General Assembly, he highlighted the ongoing climate crisis, stating, “Our world is on fire again... this crisis will only grow worse.”

The timing of this backlash coincides with the couple’s upcoming wedding anniversary on Sunday, adding an extra layer of scrutiny to their public image and environmental commitments.