Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, have faced criticism for their alleged rude and hypocritical behavior on a recent flight to Las Vegas, where they attended Katy Perry’s final concert of her residency at the Resorts World Theatre. According to eyewitnesses, the couple showed a lack of respect for the crew and other passengers, and disobeyed the flight attendants’ orders. The incident has also reignited the controversy over the couple’s use of private jets, which many see as contradictory to their environmental stances.
The flight incident of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle
The couple flew from Santa Barbara, California, to Las Vegas on a Gulfstream private jet, along with other celebrities such as Cameron Diaz and Zoe Saldana. The flight took about 40 minutes, but it was enough to cause discomfort and annoyance to the people around them. One eyewitness, cited by TMZ, said, “To be honest, they were pretty rude. They were dismissive of the crew and seemed to think they were above the rules.”
Another traveler, quoted by the Mirror, recalled, “It was like they thought they were so important that the rules didn’t apply to them. They ignored the safety instructions, they kept their phones on, they reclined their seats without asking, they ordered drinks without saying please or thank you. They were just very arrogant and entitled.”
The flight attendants reportedly tried to calm the situation and remind the couple of the flight etiquette, but they were met with indifference and hostility. “They acted like they were doing everyone a favor by being on the flight. They didn’t care about anyone else’s comfort or safety. They were very snappy and rude to the staff. They even complained about the food and the service. It was very unpleasant and unprofessional.”
The environmental controversy of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle
The choice to fly privately has also sparked criticism from the public and the media, who have accused the couple of being hypocritical and inconsistent with their environmental initiatives. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have been vocal supporters of environmental causes, and have urged people to take action against climate change and reduce their carbon footprint. In 2019, Prince Harry launched Travalyst, a global initiative that aims to make travel more sustainable and responsible.
However, their frequent use of private jets, which have a much higher environmental impact than commercial flights, has raised questions about their sincerity and credibility. According to the Independent, a private jet emits seven times more carbon dioxide per passenger than a commercial flight. The couple has defended their decision to fly privately, citing security and privacy reasons, but many have found their explanation unconvincing and self-serving.
One royal analyst, speaking to Reporters, said, “This kind of behavior undermines their credibility and makes it harder for people to take them seriously. They claim to be champions of the environment, but they don’t practice what they preach. They fly on private jets for personal trips, while lecturing others on how to live. They are not setting a good example, they are sending a mixed message. This is a slap in the face for those who have defended them and their choices.”
Another commentator, writing for Simple Flying, said, “The pair often face criticism from royal commentators for rather trivial matters, but the issue at hand this time is on the more rational side. […] Naturally, private jet flights don’t align with this message.”
The public reaction on Prince Harry and Meghan Markle
The public reaction to the couple’s flight incident has been largely negative, with many expressing their disappointment and anger on social media. Some have called them “rude”, “hypocritical”, “arrogant”, “entitled”, and “out of touch”. Some have also compared them unfavorably to other members of the royal family, such as Prince William and Kate Middleton, who have been seen flying commercially on several occasions.
However, some have also defended the couple, saying that they have the right to fly privately for their safety and comfort, and that they have done enough good work for the environment and other causes to deserve some leniency. Some have also suggested that the criticism is motivated by personal bias or jealousy, and that the couple is being unfairly targeted and scrutinized.
The couple has not responded to the criticism or the allegations of rude behavior, and has continued with their plans in Las Vegas. They were seen enjoying the concert by Katy Perry, who is a friend of theirs and a supporter of their charitable foundation, Archewell. They were also spotted visiting the Neon Museum and the Mob Museum, as well as dining at some of the city’s finest restaurants.
The couple is expected to return to their home in Montecito, California, soon, where they live with their two children, Archie and Lilibet. They have been living in the US since early 2020, when they announced their decision to step back from their senior roles in the royal family and pursue a more independent and private life. They have also signed lucrative deals with Netflix and Spotify, and have launched their own media and production company, Archewell Audio.
The couple has faced several controversies and challenges since their departure from the royal family, such as their explosive interview with Oprah Winfrey, their legal battles with the British tabloids, and their strained relations with the rest of the royals. However, they have also received praise and admiration for their humanitarian and philanthropic work, such as their involvement with the Invictus Games, the Vax Live concert, and the Global Citizen Live event.
The couple has stated that they want to use their platform and influence to make a positive difference in the world, and to inspire others to do the same. However, their latest flight incident has cast a shadow over their image and reputation, and has raised doubts about their sincerity and consistency.