Duke Faces Criticism Over Climate Message Timing and Travel Choices
Prince Harry’s recent attempt to champion sustainable tourism has reportedly backfired, with critics suggesting the Duke failed to make a meaningful impact while King Charles’ Canadian state visit dominated headlines.
Calling it a "need of the hour," Harry travelled from the US to Shanghai to address the Asia-Pacific travel industry, urging stronger commitment to eco-friendly tourism and climate goals. However, his appearance drew backlash for the contradiction between his message and the carbon footprint of his long-haul flight.
Adding to the controversy, Harry’s speech coincided with King Charles and Queen Camilla’s official tour of Canada—a move royal watchers interpreted as an effort to compete for public attention.
Speaking to The Mirror, royal expert Jennie Bond remarked, “It seems to have made very little news at all. If the idea was to garner as much publicity for the cause as possible, it would seem to have fallen rather short.”
She further noted that Harry’s attempt to “overshadow” the monarch’s successful trip had missed the mark. “The irony of flying across the world to promote sustainable, environmentally friendly travel is hard to ignore,” Bond said, adding that a video address would have been a more ethical choice given the Duke’s environmental mission.
