Prince Harry and Meghan Markle take private jet to event where tickets cost $1 million

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex appeared carefree as they took a private jet to the Ripple of Hope Gala to accept a human rights award for 'fighting racism'. Tickets to the event were said to cost up to $1 million (£847,000).

'Unwavering commitment to social change'

Prince Harry and Meghan Marklearrived in New York yesterday Tuesday 6 December for the Ripple of Hope Gala. The couple were honoured for their 'unwavering commitment to social change,' alongside Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and late NBA star Bill Russell. According to The Independent, the ceremony was hosted by actor Alec Baldwin.

The Sussexes were nominated for the human rights award for their 'heroic' stand against 'structural racism'. Robert F Kennedy's daughter Kerry said:

They knew that if they did this, there would be consequences, that they would be ostracised, they would lose their family, their position within this structure, and that people would blame them for it. They have done it anyway because they believed they couldn't live with themselves if they didn't question this authority. I think they have been heroic in taking this step.

The top-tier 'Pioneer' package to attend the event is believed to cost up to $1 million (£847,000), and includes four seats at the main table where Harry and Meghan were said to be seated. Other packages cost $500,000 (£424,000) and included VIP reception access, according to Mirror.

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Branded a 'hypocrite'

However, as much as the nomination for the award has been controversial; people are more concerned about the couple's frivolous lifestyle.

Indeed, it is the second time within a week that the Duchess of Sussex, who is said to be an environmental activist, has flown by private jet to attend an event. According to footage obtained by Fox News, Meghan also boarded a private plane on Tuesday, 29th November.

Commenters on social media have called out the Sussexes 'hypocritical' actions as the pair reportedly pledged in November 2021 that they wanted to achieve 'net-zero emissions by 2030'. A statement released by Archewell read:

As global leaders convene for COP26 to commit to solutions for our climate crisis, all of us at Archewell, led by The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, share our pledge towards a more sustainable future by becoming net zero by 2030

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According to a 2021 report from Transport & Environment, private jets pollute five to 14 times more per passenger than commercial planes, The Independent reports. Indeed, it is easy to understand why the couple's use of private jets has sparked criticism, especially given the Sussexes' supposed stance on the environment.

The Archewell statement continued:

Prince Harry and Meghan, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, have a long-standing commitment to the planet.

In a social media post, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex wrote:

There is a ticking clock to protect our planet […]. Let's save it. Let's do our part.

Piers Morgan took to Twitter to describe the Duke and Duchess's actions as 'beyond parody', while another person tweeted:

Environmentalist Meghan Markle was just caught boarding a private jet because like most activists she's a hypocrite.

Sources used:

- Mail Online: Smiling before the storm: Meghan and Harry arrive in New York by private jet to accept award for 'fighting racism' - as Royal Family is braced for fresh allegations in their bombshell Netflix show on Thursday

- Independent: Meghan and Harry news: Couple fly on private jet to NYC as royal family braces for Netflix documentary – live

- Independent: Meghan Markle takes second private jet in a week to collect award with Prince Harry

- Fox News: Environmental activist Meghan Markle seen boarding private jet following female empowerment event

- Mirror: Harry and Meghan to attend gala with tickets to sit at their table selling for $1MILLION