Prince Harry's team has issued a fierce rebuttal following criticism of the Duke of Sussex accepting a prestigious aviation award while maintaining his strong stance on environmental issues.
The royal, who was recently honoured as a 'Living Legend of Aviation' for his military service as a helicopter pilot, faced accusations of hypocrisy from critics who pointed to his frequent use of private jets.
Defending the Duke's Record
Harry's representatives have strongly denied these claims, stating: "The Duke's commitment to environmental causes is unwavering. His military service, which included two tours of Afghanistan as a helicopter pilot, was about serving his country, not about personal convenience."
The statement continued: "Prince Harry has consistently advocated for sustainable aviation solutions and has worked with industry leaders to promote greener alternatives."
The Aviation Controversy
The debate intensified after Harry was inducted into the Living Legends of Aviation at a Beverly Hills ceremony last week. Critics highlighted the apparent contradiction between accepting such an honour and his vocal environmental activism.
However, supporters argue that Harry's military service should be considered separately from his current environmental work. "Flying helicopters in combat zones to protect your fellow soldiers is fundamentally different from leisure travel," one defence source noted.
Environmental Balancing Act
The Duke has previously acknowledged the challenges of balancing his environmental principles with practical necessities. In a 2019 interview, he admitted: "No one is perfect, including me, but we all have a responsibility to do better."
His Archewell Foundation continues to work on various environmental initiatives, including sustainable travel projects and partnerships with eco-conscious organisations.
