Sir Elton John has defended the use of a private jet by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex in a series of emotional tweets as he hit out at “distorted and malicious” press reports.
The star said he provided the royal couple with a private jet flight to his home in Nice because he felt “a profound sense of obligation to protect” Princess Diana’s son and family.
The Sun reported on Sunday the couple had taken the private jet to the south of France two days after flying to Ibiza.
In the Twitter thread, he said he wanted to ensure the pair and their baby were given a “high level of much-needed protection”.
He said: “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.”
He also said that in order to support Prince Harry’s commitment to the environment, John and his husband David Furnish ensured their flight was carbon neutral, by making the appropriate contribution to Carbon Footprint.
“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,” John said.
The royal couple has faced charges of hypocrisy for their use of private jets after making a series of public pleas to protect the environment.
Two weeks ago, Prince Harry said in a Vogue Magazine interview with conservationist Jane Goodall that he and Meghan would have only two children due to environmental concerns.
In the issue - guest edited by Meghan - Harry said he and his wife had planned for “two, maximum”.