Former England rugby coach Eddie Jones publicly ridiculed Prince Harry's stance on climate change during an appearance on Ben Young's podcast.
Jones, who led England from 2015 to 2022, didn't hold back in highlighting what he perceived as hypocrisy from the Royals. His remarks came after a revelation that Harry and Meghan had flown on a private jet to Nice in August 2019, which was disclosed by England rugby player Ben Youngs on the "For the Love of Rugby" podcast.
During the podcast, Youngs reminisced about Prince Harry attending training sessions and jokingly remarked on the loss of his titles. Jones seized the opportunity to poke fun at Harry's environmental advocacy, asking him about the progress on climate change and joking about Elton John's jet. Although the atmosphere was light-hearted, Jones's comments underscored a broader debate about the actions of public figures in line with their public statements.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have been vocal about environmental issues, yet their use of private jets has drawn criticism, labeling them as hypocrites. However, their choice of travel was defended by Elton John, who emphasized the need for security and protection. Despite this, Jones's jests highlighted the tension between advocating for change and the practicalities of personal choices, particularly in the public eye.
In addition to his environmental advocacy, Prince Harry has spoken out on various global issues, including the pandemic and assaults on democracy. His speeches emphasize the need for action rather than mere rhetoric, aligning with his call for tangible efforts to address environmental challenges. However, his actions, such as the private jet trip to Canada, have sometimes contradicted these principles, leading to scrutiny and criticism.
Overall, Jones's playful ribbing of Prince Harry serves as a reminder of the complexities surrounding public figures' advocacy and personal actions. It sparks discussions about accountability and the challenges of balancing ideals with practical realities, particularly in the context of environmental issues.