Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have faced alarming levels of criticism ever since details emerged about the couple taking private jets on their Nice holiday stops.
Their choice of transport has led to many people targeting the royals for their 'hypocrisy', seeing as both Meghan and Harry are environmental activists and claim to care a great deal for ecological issues.
Sir Elton John has now posted a defiant statement on Twitter in defence of the new parents, stating that he felt "deeply distressed" by the backlash and revealed that he had provided them with the aircraft for privacy reasons.
The Rocketman star 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."
He added: "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 tranquillity of our home."
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. pic.twitter.com/WjVRDSMX0z
— Elton John (@eltonofficial) August 19, 2019
The singer continued;
"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."
Elton praised Prince Harry and Meghan for their efforts to improve conservation levels worldwide:
"I highly respect and applaud both Harry and Meghan’s commitment to charity and I’m calling on the press to cease these relentless and untrue assassinations on their character that are spuriously crafted on an almost daily basis. Elton."
The royal couple have been keeping a low profile since their son Archie was born in May, and have only been spotted at a handful of public events.
Prince Harry and Meghan were recently pictured at a charity polo match in July with baby Archie, and Meghan was critiqued for how she was holding her son in the press.
Harry was competing in along with his brother Prince William, while the Duchess of Cambridge and her three children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis were also there.
Meghan also guest edited the September issue of Vogue UK alongside Edward Enninful, entitled Forces for Change.
The publication featured a collection of changemakers who have broken barriers in their own respective fields. Prince Harry interviewed the world-renowned ethologist and primatologist Dr Jane Goodall for the issue.
Feature image: Instagram/@magroomtr
