
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are, lamentably, no strangers to online attacks, with Meghan in particular facing incessant racist abuse from the public and the British media. The latest excuse people seized on to condemn the couple? Their use of a private jet, which they took to Elton John's home in Nice, France. But Elton wasn't about to see the Duke and Duchess of Sussex unfairly attacked on his watch, and took to Twitter to set the record straight.
Elton was close friends with Harry's mom, Princess Diana (he even performed "Candle in the Wind" at her funeral.) Naturally, he's close to Meghan and Harry, too, and attended their wedding last year. It was Diana's memory—specifically, the memory of the relentless paparazzi intrusion into her private life—that motivated Elton to invite the royal couple to his French vacation home, for a few precious days out of the spotlight.
Some were eager to brand Meghan and Harry hypocrites for flying on a private jet, citing their environmentalist stances, but thankfully, Elton stepped in to correct them. "I am deeply distressed by today’s distorted and malicious account in the press surrounding the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s private stay at my home in Nice last week," he tweeted. "Prince Harry’s Mother, Diana Princess Of Wales was one of my dearest friends. I feel a profound sense of obligation to protect Harry and his family from the unnecessary press intrusion that contributed to Diana’s untimely death."
Prince Harry’s Mother, Diana Princess Of Wales was one of my dearest friends. I feel a profound sense of obligation to protect Harry and his family from the unnecessary press intrusion that contributed to Diana’s untimely death.August 19, 2019
"After a hectic year continuing their hard work and dedication to charity, David and I wanted the young family to have a private holiday inside the safety and tranquility of our home. To maintain a high level of much-needed protection, we provided them with a private jet flight," Elton continued. And to really shut the critics up? "To support Prince Harry’s commitment to the environment, we ensured their flight was carbon neutral, by making the appropriate contribution to Carbon Footprint™," he added.
To support Prince Harry’s commitment to the environment, we ensured their flight was carbon neutral, by making the appropriate contribution to Carbon Footprint™.August 19, 2019
"I highly respect and applaud both Harry and Meghan’s commitment to charity and I’m calling on the press to cease these relentless and untrue assassinations on their character that are spuriously crafted on an almost daily basis," the music icon finished. Tell them, Elton!
In fact, Elton wasn't the only major name to speak out in Meghan and Harry's defence. Ellen DeGeneres stepped up too, tweeting, "Portia and I met Prince Harry and Meghan in England to talk about their work on wildlife conservation. They were the most down-to-earth, compassionate people. Imagine being attacked for everything you do, when all you’re trying to do is make the world better."
Portia and I met Prince Harry and Meghan in England to talk about their work on wildlife conservation. They were the most down-to-earth, compassionate people. Imagine being attacked for everything you do, when all you’re trying to do is make the world better. pic.twitter.com/226pRO1fj1August 19, 2019
Quick question to the Meghan and Harry haters: Seriously, is there anything they could do that you wouldn't feel the desperate urge to criticize?
For more stories like this, including celebrity news, beauty and fashion advice, savvy political commentary, and fascinating features, sign up for the Marie Claire newsletter.
RELATED STORIES
-
Princess Kate Taking the Spotlight “Delights” Prince William—But One Thing Bothers Him, Apparently
It would probably bother any and all of us.
By Rachel Burchfield
-
The Princess of Wales’ Popularity is “Unsettling” for King Charles and Queen Camilla, Expert Says
There could be problems for the King and Queen “if they don’t get their attention.”
By Rachel Burchfield
-
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Could Return to the U.K., Will Never Fully Sever Ties, Expert Says
“I’d never say never.”
By Rachel Burchfield
-
Prince William Not Expected to Invite Prince Harry to His Coronation, Friend Claims
That doesn't sound good.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
We Finally Know Where the Earthshot Prize 2023 Will Take Place
Let's go!
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Princess Kate Is Seen Skipping Happily With Prince Louis and Princess Charlotte in Behind-the-Scenes Footage
This is too cute.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Prince Harry Blames 'Daily Mirror' Publishers for Chelsy Davy Breakup in Court Documents
The court case began this week.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Tabloid Stories About Prince Harry Came From Members of the Royal Family, 'Daily Mirror' Publisher Claims
These claims could corroborate previous statements from Harry.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Princess Kate Hugged a Little Girl Who Burst Into Tears During Windsor Walkabout, And Told Her Mom to Get Her an Ice Cream
So cute!!!
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Here's How Princess Kate Kept an Eye on Prince Louis During the Coronation, According to a Body Language Expert
Smart.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Prince Louis Was Filmed Eating a S'more So Delicious It Literally Made Him "Weak at the Knees"
Oh, Louis.
By Iris Goldsztajn