The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have been at the centre of huge controversy this week, as it emerged the royals took four private jets in just 11 days, to travel to Ibiza for Meghan’s 38th birthday and then to Nice a couple of days afterwards. Critics argue that the couple’s actions contradict their public stance on climate change, given aviation is one of the world’s major polluters and responsible for more than two percent of global emissions.

The environmental footprint of a private jet is also much greater than that of a commercial plane.

Yesterday, Sir Elton John defended the couple, revealing he had paid for them and their son, Archie, to “maintain a high level of much-needed protection”.

The singer wrote on Twitter that he had made sure the flight was carbon neutral by making the “appropriate contribution” to a carbon footprint fund.

He 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.

“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.

“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.

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

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As the row among royal watchers continues, a 2013 report by the Daily Express reveals that Kate Middleton travelled with her six-month-old baby, Prince George, on a commercial flight.

The second-in-line to the throne and the Duchess flew to St Lucia on a British Airways flight.

They then reached the private island of Mustique with a jet – the only way to get to the the secluded paradise.

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The mother and son were greeted by Kate’s parents Michael and Carole Middleton, as well as her sister Pippa and brother James for the family’s annual trip to the island – which coincided with Carole’s 59th birthday.

Prince George reportedly behaved very well during the long-haul flight and was accompanied by three royal bodyguards on the scheduled 747 jumbo jet journey.

Even for long-haul journey, the Duchess of Sussex preferred travelling to and from the US on a private jet.

Meghan travelled to New York for her baby shower in February.

It reportedly cost £200,000 each way.

The Duchess is believed to have traveled home on the Gulfstream G450 plane and landed at Farnborough Airport.

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