Prince Harry is under scrutiny after traveling over 12,000 miles round-trip to Shanghai, China, on May 26, 2025, for an event focused on sustainable travel. Critics have labeled his actions as inconsistent, highlighting the significant carbon emissions resulting from his flight.
The Duke of Sussex made an unannounced appearance at the Envision 2025 Global Partner Conference in Shanghai. He called on the travel industry to adopt environmentally friendly practices to meet the target of reducing carbon emissions by 50% by 2030. Harry addressed the gathering in his role as the founder of Travalyst, a company that develops tools to display the carbon impact of flights during the booking process.
Royal correspondent Jennie Bond remarked on the apparent contradiction, stating, “the irony of flying across the world to promote sustainable, environmentally friendly travel is hard to ignore.” She suggested that Harry could have delivered his message via a video address to minimize environmental impact.
The environmental implications of Harry’s journey have been subject to particular scrutiny. The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero has calculated that a first-class passenger on a round-trip flight from Los Angeles, California, to Shanghai is responsible for approximately 13,918 pounds of greenhouse gas emissions. Speculation about Harry’s potential use of a private jet suggests his carbon footprint might be significantly higher, as private jets are among the least environmentally friendly travel options.
In his speech, Harry stressed the travel industry’s responsibility for environmental responsibility. He highlighted this period as crucial for the industry to reaffirm its commitment to positive change, noting that genuine dedication is tested during challenging times.
This incident reflects a recurring theme for Harry, who has previously been criticized for his travel choices despite advocating for environmental issues. When Travalyst was launched in 2019, he defended his occasional use of private jets by stating that he travels commercially 99% of the time, but sometimes unique circumstances necessitate alternative arrangements for his family’s safety.
Harry and his wife, Meghan Markle, have positioned themselves as climate advocates, with their Archewell Foundation aiming for net-zero emissions by 2030. Markle’s emphasis on sustainable fashion also underscores their public commitment to environmental issues.
Critics have voiced concerns over what they perceive as a discrepancy in Harry’s environmental advocacy. Commentary on social media has described his stance as a “for thee, not for me” approach, suggesting he promotes sustainable practices for others while maintaining a high-carbon lifestyle.
The criticism extends beyond environmental issues to broader questions about Harry and Meghan’s public engagement strategy since stepping back from royal duties. The couple has faced similar backlash following their recent international travels, such as their four-day visit to Colombia in August 2024, which also sparked debate over associated costs and their apparent attempt to conduct quasi-royal visits.
Sources close to the couple indicated that they felt embarrassed by the adverse reaction to their trip to Colombia, particularly as they faced similar criticism following their visit to Nigeria. The sources mentioned that Harry and Meghan remain dedicated to international engagements because they believe their platform can effectively highlight significant global issues. They also acknowledged that such trips help enhance their status in Hollywood and support their brand growth.
