How Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s Canada move will see them become major eco-vandals
PRINCE Harry and Meghan Markle's Canada move will see them become major eco-hypocrites as they ramp up their carbon footprint.
The couple sensationally revealed yesterday they would be splitting their time between the UK and Canada as they step back from royal duties.
But the move with baby Archie would see their carbon footprint triple what the average per person's should be - even if they shun private jets.
One person flying first class on a return commercial flight from London to Toronto contributes 6.77 tonnes of CO2 to the earth's atmosphere.
This would mean even if Harry, Meghan and Archie were to go on just one return trip, which is unlikely given their announcement, their total carbon footprint would be 20.31.
Scientists recommend everyone on earth should have an average carbon footprint of 1.97 tonnes by 2050 to stop the global temperature rising.
The figures come despite Meghan and Harry branding themselves "eco-warriors" and preaching about environmental issues.
They were both accused of hypocrisy last summer after they took four private jet flights in just 11 days after Harry said "every choice, every footprint, every action makes a difference".
The jet-setting holidays also came just after Harry attended a super-secret Google Camp event in Sicily - on July 30.
While there, the barefoot Prince gave an impassioned speech about climate change to celebs believed to include Leonardo DiCaprio, Naomi Campbell, Stella McCartney and Harry Styles.
He also repeated his vow to only have two kids because of his eco-concerns.
'ECO-WARRIORS'
Carbon footprint calculators do not factor in private jets but the gas-guzzling planes generate an estimated seven times more emissions per person than if they had flown commercially.
This means their footprint could be even higher if they choose to continue travelling in private rather than flying commercial.
Currently, the UK ranks 36th in the world for its CO2 emissions - totalling 8.34 tonnes per person in 2017 – the last year when data was available.
Both the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's return private jet flights to Nice and Ibiza from London put them at three times the annual carbon footprint of the average Brit.
The Queen, Prince Charles and Prince William reportedly learned of Harry and Meghan's decision to quit the royal family when the news broke on TV.
A statement was released yesterday evening, apparently without the knowledge of other members of the family after they "plotted in secret".
The the announcement took other Royals by surprise as they saw it for the first time on the television.
'STABBED IN THE BACK'
And even the Sussexes' own aides were said to be stunned as they had been kept in the dark - and felt "stabbed in the back".
The couple said: “After many months of reflection and internal discussions, we have chosen to make a transition this year in starting to carve out a progressive new role within this institution.
"We intend to step back as ‘senior’ members of the Royal Family and work to become financially independent, while continuing to fully support Her Majesty The Queen.
"It is with your encouragement, particularly over the last few years, that we feel prepared to make this adjustment.
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"We now plan to balance our time between the United Kingdom and North America, continuing to honour our duty to The Queen, the Commonwealth, and our patronages.
"This geographic balance will enable us to raise our son with an appreciation for the royal tradition into which he was born, while also providing our family with the space to focus on the next chapter, including the launch of our new charitable entity.
"We look forward to sharing the full details of this exciting next step in due course, as we continue to collaborate with Her Majesty The Queen, The Prince of Wales, The Duke of Cambridge and all relevant parties. Until then, please accept our deepest thanks for your continued support.”