This week marks COP26, a climate change summit being held in Glasgow, where members of the Royal Family are to be in attendance and press the case for urgent action. While it was announced last week that the Queen will not be there, Prince Charles, 72, and his wife Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, 74, and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, both 39, are still set to make an appearance and interact with the world leaders descending on the Scottish city.
As both Charles and Prince William have widely commented publicly on the theme of climate change, Chris Ship, ITV News’ Royal Editor took to Twitter to mention how billboards have been erected in Glasgow ahead of the conference by anti-monarchy campaign group Republic blasting the royals as hypocrites.
The billboards claim that the future leaders are hypocrites for their usages of “helicopter flights, private jets, multiple huge homes and personal train” while being so outspoken on the issue of climate change.
Amid this wider row, Mr Ship was then called out for the prevalent UK media coverage that discusses the use of private jets by Meghan Markle, 40, and Prince Harry, 37, with @rianne088 writing: “and Chris I actually agree but surely you know can see the blatant hypocrisy that the Sussexes experienced by mainly UK reporters. Not one reporter calling out senior royals usage of jets – not one."
However, the royal commentator hit back at the user to defend himself and the couple by writing: “Nor were Harry and Meghan criticised for taking private jets on official working business as I recall (well no one of sound judgement). So your point is a little lost on me.”
He further expanded on this in response to another user, by making reference to the usage of similar methods of transport used by US President Joe Biden by writing: “Just as Joe Biden has used Air Force One and a long motorcade for the G20 summit. It’s business”, before adding “(Although they should ALL look at doing it more sustainably)”.
Additional reporting by Chloe Davies
FOLLOW BELOW FOR LIVE UPDATES