Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan Markle, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, have been the main focus in the media this week, in the aftermath of their very candid interview with Oprah Winfrey, which aired on CBS on Sunday, March 7th. The interview focused on the couple’s experiences within the Royal Family and how they came to the conclusion that they needed to exit the institution.
While Oprah didn’t touch on their extravagant lifestyle, many people have criticized their use of private jets as a means of transportation. According to a recent piece in Forbes, Meghan and Harry have both advocated for environmental awareness and cutting carbon emissions, which seems a bit contradictory, considering their private flight log history. While security issues are certainly a factor in their transportation needs, the couple has a long history of jet-setting.
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Google Queries Are High
Many people are intrigued as to the history of Meghan and Harry’s private jet usage. Google queries about Harry’s private jet history turn up an astonishing 9.9 million results, and similar queries about Meghan Markle turn up 6.3 million results, according to Forbes. This is higher than queries for Oprah Winfrey, Kim Kardashian, and other members of the Royal family. In 2019, Harry and Meghan became the center of a hypocrisy scandal when certain environmental awareness groups shed light on their jet-setting lifestyle. When their son Archie was just born, the famed couple were spotted embarking and disembarking private jets on a vacation in Nice, France twice in one week, creating much scrutiny and critique, according to CNN. In the early days of Harry and Meghan’s relationship, and marriage, all eyes were on them, and their every move was reported on, whether truthfully, or untruthfully. The British media were particularly ruthless, with several tabloids printing gossip tales about Meghan’s family, her past history as an American actress, and her transition to the Royal family.
Several Private Jet Trips In Past Years
While the couple has not been photographed travelling recently, due to the pandemic, there were several private jet trips within a short period of time that stirred controversy. In 2019, the young family flew out to visit Elton John in Nice, France, which sparked a media frenzy. Elton John came to their defense, stating that the trip had been arranged to ensure security for the Royals, and that a donation had been made to an environmental charity in the aftermath of the trip. While their mode of transportation has been criticized, it’s hardly possible for a family of their status and recognition to fly on commercial airlines. Enuring safety for their child has always been at the forefront of their agenda, which is also very understandable. With all of the hype surrounding the couple (who wed in 2018), there was little choice but to travel privately. Despite this, it’s understandable that controversy sets in, when environmental activists and supporters of reducing carbon footprints are seen engaging in one of the most polluting things humans can do!
Newest Controversy
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While Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have been living in California for just about a year now, they have recently come back into the spotlight, with their candid interview with Oprah Winfrey airing last week. Though the aired segments did not touch on their private jet use, many viewers expected this to be addressed. One particularly extravagant outing was back in 2019, when Meghan Markle allegedly flew in a private jet to a baby shower in New York City; a trip that cost £330,000, according to reports in The Sun.
While this topic was not addressed, the Royal couple did speak out on allegations of racism within the Institution, as well as Meghan opening up about some very real mental health issues she struggled with during her first pregnancy. The interview has received a total mix of reactions, with some completely defending and supporting their reasons for wanting to speak out, and others thinking that they were just trying to get attention or sabotage the future of the Monarchy. Many high profile celebrities have spoken out in support and solidarity after hearing Meghan’s words, especially as the interview aired on the eve of International Women’s Day.
While being a public figure will always bring it’s ups and downs, being a member of the Royal family seems to come with even more challenges. With a line very clearly drawn in the sand, it will take time to see how this newest element will unfold.
SOURCES: Forbes, Wikipedia, CNN, The Sun
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