Prince Harry defends private jet use to keep 'my family safe'

Prince Harry has defended his recent use of a private jet, saying he did it to keep his family ‘safe’.

The 34-year-old has come under fire for taking four private planes over the European summer, despite his outspoken attitude towards climate change.

However, on the back foot while in Amsterdam on Tuesday, he implied that his other actions to help protect the planet, work to offset the damage done by all his air miles.

“We can all do better,” he said, “And while no one is perfect, we are all responsible for our individual impact. The question is what we do to balance it out.”

“I came here by commercial. I spend 99 percent of my life traveling the world by commercial. Occasionally, there needs to be an opportunity based on a unique circumstance to ensure my family are safe and it's genuinely as simple as that. But as I said in my speech, for me, it's about balance."

Harry also joked about the positives of travelling without his wife, the Duchess of Sussex Meghan Markle, their baby son Archie.

“Having spent last night here, I don't know about you guys but it was definitely the best night’s sleep I've had for the last 4 months!”

But not everyone’s convinced

The reaction from the public on social media has been mixed, with some defending the royal and praising him for putting his family first, and others questioning his choice of words.

“So William that used commercial recently with his family didn’t think nor care about protecting them, right?” one person said on Instagram, “At times say less without indirectly snubbing your sibling.”

“Who do you think you are, Prince William?!!!” another said, “Stop it. No one is buying your excuses. Just own that you wanted to fly private because you wanted to. No more lectures from celebrities, thank you!”

On the other end of the spectrum, one person said, “Support you 100% Harry. Keep protecting your family first and foremost”.

While another wrote, “Harry it is your one and only life. Family safety first! Public wants you to do what is right for your loved ones!”

Elton John steps in

Harry and Meghan were previously defended by their friend Sir Elton John, who revealed he had covered the cost of their private flight to his home in Nice and also made a donation to balance out the extra carbon emissions it caused.

“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,” Dir Elton said.

“To maintain a high level of much-needed protection, we provided them with a private jet flight.

“To support Prince Harry's commitment to the environment, we ensured their flight was carbon neutral, by making the appropriate contribution to Carbon Footprint.”

Reporting by Bang Showbiz

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