Sir Elton John has launched a passionate defence of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex over their use of private jets.
The Duke and Duchess have faced mounting criticism after reportedly taking four private jet journeys in 11 days.
The singer today said he provided Harry, Meghan and their baby son Archie with a private flight to his home in France to “maintain a high level of much-needed protection”.
Hitting back at what he called “these relentless and untrue assassinations on their character,” Sir Elton blasted the press for its “unnecessary intrusion” into his friends’ lives.
Critics have labelled them hypocrites for opting for gas-guzzling private planes rather than commercial flights, despite speaking out on environmental issues.
Buckingham Palace earlier declined to comment, but Sir Elton offered his own response on Twitter.
In a series of tweets, he said on Monday: “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.
“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.
“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.
Elton John – In pictures
1/82 Stage presence
Elton John performs in 2014
Andrew H. Walker/Getty Images
2/82 Together
David Furnish and Elton John at their Civil Partnership Ceremony in 2005
Tim Rooke/Rex
3/82 Iconic
Elton John in concert circa 1970’s
Rex
4/82 In training
British singer-songwriter and vice-president of Watford FC Elton John and Rod Stewart wearing Watford strip at Vicarage Road in 1973
Sydney O’Meara/Evening Standard
5/82 Young at heart
Sir Elton as a boy at his piano
Associated Newspapers
6/82
Sir Elton John in 1971
PA
7/82 Fan favourite
Pop star Elton John at Noel Edmonds record shop in the King’s Road, Chelsea signing copies of his album, ‘Don’t Shoot Me I’m Only the Piano Player’ in 1973
Michael Webb/Keystone/Getty Images
8/82 Costume king
Elton John on stage concert in 1974
9/82 Flying hornet
Elton John pictured playing football at Watford football club in 1974
Daily Mail
10/82 Taking a break
English pop star Elton John relaxes on a sofa and listens to some music in 1974
Express/Getty Images
11/82 Pinball Wizard
Elton John performing Pinball Wizard in 1974
Rex Features
12/82 Luxury pad
Even by superstar standards Elton John’s palatial new home is almost unbelievable. His Berkshire mansion has more facilities and luxuries than some small towns.
It even has its own vineyard-large enough to produce sufficient wine for a entire year’s drinking
David Thorpe/Associated Newspapers
13/82 Quackers for the piano
Elton John performs as in a Donald Duck costume in 1975
Chris Morris/Rex Features
14/82 Back in the day
Elton John perfortming on stage in 1975
Robin Jones/Daily Mail
15/82 Rock and roll
Elton John singing in the film ‘Tommy’ (1975)
16/82 Meeting Cindy
Elton John with American girlfriend, Cindy Bullens in 1976
Bill Howard/Associated Newspapers
17/82 Portrait of Elton
Elton John and portrait painted by a fan at the Watford Football Club in 1976
Jimmy West/Associated Newspapers
18/82 What a spectacle!
British pop singer Elton John dancing on stage during a concert in 1976
Evening Standard/Getty Images
19/82 Elton’s mother
Elton John with his mother Shelia in 1976
Daily Mail
20/82 Stars of stage
Singer songwriter Elton John (Reginald Dwight) with star of musicals Peter Straker, and Freddie Mercury in 1977
Hulton Archive/Getty Images
21/82 Double vision
Super pop star Elton John (right) with his wax portrait in Madame Tussaud’s studio in 1977
PA
22/82 Clowning around
Elton John on The Muppet Show in 1977
Rex Features
23/82 Friends
A group of pop fans look on as pop singer and pianist Elton John embraces singer and friend Kiki Dee in 1978
Evening Standard
24/82 Gongs with George Michael
Elton John pictured with George Michael, winner of the British music industry’s top award, the Ivor Novello Songwriter of the Year, circa 1980’s
David Crump/Daily Mail
25/82 Getting hitched
Elton John and Renate Blauel after their wedding in Sydney on Valentine’s Day in 1984
Patrick Riviere/Getty Images
26/82 Sport mad
Watford FC manager Graham Taylor and Chairman Elton John share a drink on the Vicarage Road pitch in 1984
Jack Kay/Express/Getty Images
27/82 Flamboyant style
Elton John pictured wearing a typically flamboyant costume in 1984
Express Newspapers/Getty Images
28/82 Wedding bells
Elton John and Renate Blauel at their wedding in 1984
Patrick Riviere/Getty Images
29/82 Court appearance
Elton John arriving at the high court in 1985 to sue his publisher
Jack Manwarning/Daily Mail
30/82
Elton John performing during the Live Aid Concert at Wembley Stadium in 1985
PA
31/82 Sign away
Rolling Stone Bill Wyman is pictured asking Elton John for his autograph
David Crump/Daily Mail
32/82 Teaming up
George Michael and Elton John during Wham! The Final Concert at Wembley Stadium Iin 1986
Andre Csillag/Rex
33/82 Birthday bash
The aftermath of Elton John’s 40th Birthday Party-held at the home of his manager, John Reid, near Rickmansworth. His Ferarri Testorossa is parked outside the house.
Graham Trott/Daily Mail
34/82 Legends
Elton John and Michael Jackson at BMI Michael Jackson Award, Los Angeles
Rex
35/82
Diana, Princess of Wales being greeted by Sir Elton John for the charity premiere of the musical ‘Tango Argentina’ at the Aldwych Theatre in 1991
PA
36/82 Drag race
Elton John with Ru Paul ‘Don’t go breaking my heart’ duet video
37/82 Divas
Elton John and RuPaul perform at the Brit Awards, London in 1994
Richard Young/Rex
38/82 Fancy dress
Elton John’s Fancy Dress Party in 1994
Paul Greaves/Rex
39/82 Brit award winner
Elton John at the Brit Awards at Alexandra Palace, London in 1995
Richard Young/Rex
40/82 Equality
Elton John dressed as a woman with Kyile Minogue at the Stonewall Equality Show, Royal Albert Hall, London in 1995
Richard Young/Rex
41/82 Academy Award winner
British singer and songwriter Elton John (L) poses with partner Tim Rice 27 March at the 67th annual Academy Awards in Los Angeles. John and Rice won Oscars for their original song “Can You Feel the Love Tonight?” from the film “The Lion King.” in 1995
Dan Groshong/AFP/Getty Images
42/82 The big 5-0
Elton John and David Furnish at his 50th Birthday Party 50th in 1997
Edward Hirst/Rex
43/82 Award winner
Elton John with his Ivor Novello Awards in 1997
Daily Mail
44/82 Royal affair
Archpriest Magio (R) shakes hands with British rock star Elton John standing next to Princess Diana (L) during the requiem mass for Italian fashion designer Gianni Versace at the Duomoin Milan in 1997
Gerard Julian/AFP/Getty Images
45/82 Grieving
Pop stars George Michael (top) and Elton John leave Westminster Abbey after the funeral service 06 September of Diana Princess of Wales
Johny Eggitt/AFP/Getty Images
46/82 Princess Diana’s funreral
Pop singer Elton John plays a specially re-written version of his classic Candle in the Wind during the funeral service for Diana, Princess of Wales at Westminster Abbey in 1997
Paul Hackett /Reuters
47/82 Auction
Singer Elton John with two jackets from his wardrobe, as he opens the sale of 10,000 items of his clothing and shoes at the ‘Out of the Closet’ store in Piccadilly, London.
Stefan Rousseau/PA
48/82 On the FROW
Elton John and David Beckham are all smiles as they follow the Versace’s Fall/Winter 1998/99 men’s collection in Milan
Luca Bruno/AP
49/82 Icons
Elton John sings with Madonna at the ninth annual Rainforest Benefit Concert in New York’s Carnegie Hall
Jeff Christensen/Reuters
50/82 Knighted
Elton John receiving his Knighthood Honour, London in 1998 with his mother, Step Father and David Furnish
Richard Young/Rex Features
51/82 Proud
Sir Elton John with his Knighthood, after the presentation at Buckingham Palace
Dave Benett
52/82 Unique style
Elton John in 1998
Rex Features
53/82 On the mend
Sir Elton John (left) with his partner David Furnish leaving the Wellington Hospital in north London Saturday 10 July 1999 following an operation to have a heart pacemaker fitted
PA
54/82 The Lion King
Elton John at the premiere of Disney’s stage adaptation of The Lion King
Dave Benett
55/82 Having a dance
Elton John and Tony Bennett at the Rainforest Foundation Benefit at Carnegie Hall. New York in 1999
Scott Gries/ImageDirect/Getty Images
56/82 High Court hearing
Sir Elton John arrives at the High Court in London with partner David Furnish, for day two of 53 year old singer giving evidence in his multi-million pound contract battle against accountancy firm PricewaterhouseCoopers and Andrew Haydon. *… former managing director of John Reid Enterprises (JREL), which for many years was his management company
PA
57/82 Thousands of fans
Sir Elton John performs with Kiki Dee at Madison Square Garden in New York
Gabe Palacio/Getty Images
58/82 Putting on the ritz
Elton John and David Furnish at The Ritz for his Birthday Party in 2001
Adam Taylor/Rex Features
59/82 Hand in hand
Elton John and Eminem perform at the 43rd Annual Grammy Awards at Staples Center, Los Angeles in 2001
Getty Images
60/82
Sir Elton John with his mother Sheila Farebrother
Andy Butterton/PA
61/82 Home sweet home
Sir Elton John’s home in Holland Park, Sir Elton is auctioning off the entire contents of his Holland Park home so he can re-model it and display more contemporary items. Picture shows the singer’s dogs Joseph and Denis
Alex Lentati
62/82 Battle of the Sexes
Elton John lunges for the ball during “The Battle of the Sexes Celebrity Doubles” tennis match at the Fleet Center in Boston
Getty Images
63/82 Throwback
David Furnish and Elton John at Matt Lucas and Kevin McGee ‘wedding’ reception, Banqueting House, London in 2006
Claire Greenway/Getty Images
64/82 Musical man
Actors Trent Kowalik, Kiril Kulish, and David Alvarez take a bow with Elton John during a press conference to announce the stars of the upcoming Broadway show “Billy Elliot The Musical” at The Professional Performing Arts High School on April 22, 2008 in New York City
Scott Gries/Getty Images
65/82 Having fun
Singers Lady Gaga and Elton John backstage during the 52nd Annual GRAMMY Awards
Christopher Polk/Getty Images
66/82
Prince William and his Kate leaving Westminster Abbey in London, as David Furnish (left) and Sir Elton John look in 2011
PA
67/82 Royal meeting
Queen Elizabeth II meets Sir Elton John backstage as British singer Robbie Williams watches during the Diamond Jubilee Concert outside Buckingham Palace in London
Dave Thompson/AFP/Getty Images
68/82
Sir Elton John on stage outside Buckingham Palace during the Diamond Jubilee Concert in 2012
PA
69/82 Loving father
David Furnish, son Zachary and Sir Elton John attend the 20th Annual Elton John AIDS Foundation Academy Awards Viewing Party at The City of West Hollywood Park on February 26, 2012 in Beverly Hills, California
Larry Busacca/Getty Images
70/82 Getting political
Founder & Award Honoree Hillary Rodham Clinton and Sir Elton John attend the Elton John AIDS Foundation’s 12th Annual An Enduring Vision Benefit at Cipriani Wall Street
Larry Busacca/Getty Images
71/82 Parenting
Sir Elton John and David Furnish with sons Elijah and Zachary Furnish-John in Saint-Tropez, France
Rex Features
72/82 Carpool Karaoke
Elton John joining James Corden for his latest edition of Carpool Karaoke in 2015
The Late Late Show
73/82
Prince Harry greeting Sir Elton John after the Royal Variety Performance in 2015
PA
74/82 Family man
David Furnish tweets ‘Father’s Day madness hits the Furnish-John household. Happy Father’s Day to all you Daddies and Papas out there!!’
@davidfurnish
75/82 Performers
Elton John and Lady Gaga perform live on the Sunset Strip, on February 27, 2016, as a thank you to the City of West Hollywood for their support of the Elton John AIDS Foundation
Kevin Winter/Getty Images
76/82 Date night
Director-producer David Furnish (L) and recording artist Elton John attend the 2017 Vanity Fair Oscar Party hosted by Graydon Carter at Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts on February 26, 2017 in Beverly Hills, California
Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images
77/82 Sing it
Elton John in concert at Tingley Coliseum, Albuquerque, New Mexico
Albuquerque Journal via ZUMA/Rex Features
78/82
Sir Elton John attends the Elton John AIDS Foundation Commemorates Its 25th Year And Honors Founder Sir Elton John During New York Fall Gala in November 2017
AFP/Getty Images
79/82
Sir Elton John and David Furnish attend the Elton John AIDS Foundation Commemorates Its 25th Year And Honors Founder Sir Elton John During New York Fall Gala
AFP/Getty Images
80/82
Elton John performing on stage during his “Wonderful Crazy Night” concert at the Barclaycard Arena in Hamburg, Germany in December 2017
Splash News
81/82
Sir Elton John and Taron Egerton perform during the “Rocketman” Gala Party during the 72nd annual Cannes Film Festival
Getty Images
82/82
Elton John performs on the stage of the “stade de la Saussaz” during his final “Farewell Yellow Brick Road” tour at the 53rd Montreux Jazz Festival (MJF), in Montreux, Switzerland
AP
1/82 Stage presence
Elton John performs in 2014
Andrew H. Walker/Getty Images
2/82 Together
David Furnish and Elton John at their Civil Partnership Ceremony in 2005
Tim Rooke/Rex
3/82 Iconic
Elton John in concert circa 1970’s
Rex
4/82 In training
British singer-songwriter and vice-president of Watford FC Elton John and Rod Stewart wearing Watford strip at Vicarage Road in 1973
Sydney O’Meara/Evening Standard
5/82 Young at heart
Sir Elton as a boy at his piano
Associated Newspapers
6/82
Sir Elton John in 1971
PA
7/82 Fan favourite
Pop star Elton John at Noel Edmonds record shop in the King’s Road, Chelsea signing copies of his album, ‘Don’t Shoot Me I’m Only the Piano Player’ in 1973
Michael Webb/Keystone/Getty Images
8/82 Costume king
Elton John on stage concert in 1974
9/82 Flying hornet
Elton John pictured playing football at Watford football club in 1974
Daily Mail
10/82 Taking a break
English pop star Elton John relaxes on a sofa and listens to some music in 1974
Express/Getty Images
11/82 Pinball Wizard
Elton John performing Pinball Wizard in 1974
Rex Features
12/82 Luxury pad
Even by superstar standards Elton John’s palatial new home is almost unbelievable. His Berkshire mansion has more facilities and luxuries than some small towns.
It even has its own vineyard-large enough to produce sufficient wine for a entire year’s drinking
David Thorpe/Associated Newspapers
13/82 Quackers for the piano
Elton John performs as in a Donald Duck costume in 1975
Chris Morris/Rex Features
14/82 Back in the day
Elton John perfortming on stage in 1975
Robin Jones/Daily Mail
15/82 Rock and roll
Elton John singing in the film ‘Tommy’ (1975)
16/82 Meeting Cindy
Elton John with American girlfriend, Cindy Bullens in 1976
Bill Howard/Associated Newspapers
17/82 Portrait of Elton
Elton John and portrait painted by a fan at the Watford Football Club in 1976
Jimmy West/Associated Newspapers
18/82 What a spectacle!
British pop singer Elton John dancing on stage during a concert in 1976
Evening Standard/Getty Images
19/82 Elton’s mother
Elton John with his mother Shelia in 1976
Daily Mail
20/82 Stars of stage
Singer songwriter Elton John (Reginald Dwight) with star of musicals Peter Straker, and Freddie Mercury in 1977
Hulton Archive/Getty Images
21/82 Double vision
Super pop star Elton John (right) with his wax portrait in Madame Tussaud’s studio in 1977
PA
22/82 Clowning around
Elton John on The Muppet Show in 1977
Rex Features
23/82 Friends
A group of pop fans look on as pop singer and pianist Elton John embraces singer and friend Kiki Dee in 1978
Evening Standard
24/82 Gongs with George Michael
Elton John pictured with George Michael, winner of the British music industry’s top award, the Ivor Novello Songwriter of the Year, circa 1980’s
David Crump/Daily Mail
25/82 Getting hitched
Elton John and Renate Blauel after their wedding in Sydney on Valentine’s Day in 1984
Patrick Riviere/Getty Images
26/82 Sport mad
Watford FC manager Graham Taylor and Chairman Elton John share a drink on the Vicarage Road pitch in 1984
Jack Kay/Express/Getty Images
27/82 Flamboyant style
Elton John pictured wearing a typically flamboyant costume in 1984
Express Newspapers/Getty Images
28/82 Wedding bells
Elton John and Renate Blauel at their wedding in 1984
Patrick Riviere/Getty Images
29/82 Court appearance
Elton John arriving at the high court in 1985 to sue his publisher
Jack Manwarning/Daily Mail
30/82
Elton John performing during the Live Aid Concert at Wembley Stadium in 1985
PA
31/82 Sign away
Rolling Stone Bill Wyman is pictured asking Elton John for his autograph
David Crump/Daily Mail
32/82 Teaming up
George Michael and Elton John during Wham! The Final Concert at Wembley Stadium Iin 1986
Andre Csillag/Rex
33/82 Birthday bash
The aftermath of Elton John’s 40th Birthday Party-held at the home of his manager, John Reid, near Rickmansworth. His Ferarri Testorossa is parked outside the house.
Graham Trott/Daily Mail
34/82 Legends
Elton John and Michael Jackson at BMI Michael Jackson Award, Los Angeles
Rex
35/82
Diana, Princess of Wales being greeted by Sir Elton John for the charity premiere of the musical ‘Tango Argentina’ at the Aldwych Theatre in 1991
PA
36/82 Drag race
Elton John with Ru Paul ‘Don’t go breaking my heart’ duet video
37/82 Divas
Elton John and RuPaul perform at the Brit Awards, London in 1994
Richard Young/Rex
38/82 Fancy dress
Elton John’s Fancy Dress Party in 1994
Paul Greaves/Rex
39/82 Brit award winner
Elton John at the Brit Awards at Alexandra Palace, London in 1995
Richard Young/Rex
40/82 Equality
Elton John dressed as a woman with Kyile Minogue at the Stonewall Equality Show, Royal Albert Hall, London in 1995
Richard Young/Rex
41/82 Academy Award winner
British singer and songwriter Elton John (L) poses with partner Tim Rice 27 March at the 67th annual Academy Awards in Los Angeles. John and Rice won Oscars for their original song “Can You Feel the Love Tonight?” from the film “The Lion King.” in 1995
Dan Groshong/AFP/Getty Images
42/82 The big 5-0
Elton John and David Furnish at his 50th Birthday Party 50th in 1997
Edward Hirst/Rex
43/82 Award winner
Elton John with his Ivor Novello Awards in 1997
Daily Mail
44/82 Royal affair
Archpriest Magio (R) shakes hands with British rock star Elton John standing next to Princess Diana (L) during the requiem mass for Italian fashion designer Gianni Versace at the Duomoin Milan in 1997
Gerard Julian/AFP/Getty Images
45/82 Grieving
Pop stars George Michael (top) and Elton John leave Westminster Abbey after the funeral service 06 September of Diana Princess of Wales
Johny Eggitt/AFP/Getty Images
46/82 Princess Diana’s funreral
Pop singer Elton John plays a specially re-written version of his classic Candle in the Wind during the funeral service for Diana, Princess of Wales at Westminster Abbey in 1997
Paul Hackett /Reuters
47/82 Auction
Singer Elton John with two jackets from his wardrobe, as he opens the sale of 10,000 items of his clothing and shoes at the ‘Out of the Closet’ store in Piccadilly, London.
Stefan Rousseau/PA
48/82 On the FROW
Elton John and David Beckham are all smiles as they follow the Versace’s Fall/Winter 1998/99 men’s collection in Milan
Luca Bruno/AP
49/82 Icons
Elton John sings with Madonna at the ninth annual Rainforest Benefit Concert in New York’s Carnegie Hall
Jeff Christensen/Reuters
50/82 Knighted
Elton John receiving his Knighthood Honour, London in 1998 with his mother, Step Father and David Furnish
Richard Young/Rex Features
51/82 Proud
Sir Elton John with his Knighthood, after the presentation at Buckingham Palace
Dave Benett
52/82 Unique style
Elton John in 1998
Rex Features
53/82 On the mend
Sir Elton John (left) with his partner David Furnish leaving the Wellington Hospital in north London Saturday 10 July 1999 following an operation to have a heart pacemaker fitted
PA
54/82 The Lion King
Elton John at the premiere of Disney’s stage adaptation of The Lion King
Dave Benett
55/82 Having a dance
Elton John and Tony Bennett at the Rainforest Foundation Benefit at Carnegie Hall. New York in 1999
Scott Gries/ImageDirect/Getty Images
56/82 High Court hearing
Sir Elton John arrives at the High Court in London with partner David Furnish, for day two of 53 year old singer giving evidence in his multi-million pound contract battle against accountancy firm PricewaterhouseCoopers and Andrew Haydon. *… former managing director of John Reid Enterprises (JREL), which for many years was his management company
PA
57/82 Thousands of fans
Sir Elton John performs with Kiki Dee at Madison Square Garden in New York
Gabe Palacio/Getty Images
58/82 Putting on the ritz
Elton John and David Furnish at The Ritz for his Birthday Party in 2001
Adam Taylor/Rex Features
59/82 Hand in hand
Elton John and Eminem perform at the 43rd Annual Grammy Awards at Staples Center, Los Angeles in 2001
Getty Images
60/82
Sir Elton John with his mother Sheila Farebrother
Andy Butterton/PA
61/82 Home sweet home
Sir Elton John’s home in Holland Park, Sir Elton is auctioning off the entire contents of his Holland Park home so he can re-model it and display more contemporary items. Picture shows the singer’s dogs Joseph and Denis
Alex Lentati
62/82 Battle of the Sexes
Elton John lunges for the ball during “The Battle of the Sexes Celebrity Doubles” tennis match at the Fleet Center in Boston
Getty Images
63/82 Throwback
David Furnish and Elton John at Matt Lucas and Kevin McGee ‘wedding’ reception, Banqueting House, London in 2006
Claire Greenway/Getty Images
64/82 Musical man
Actors Trent Kowalik, Kiril Kulish, and David Alvarez take a bow with Elton John during a press conference to announce the stars of the upcoming Broadway show “Billy Elliot The Musical” at The Professional Performing Arts High School on April 22, 2008 in New York City
Scott Gries/Getty Images
65/82 Having fun
Singers Lady Gaga and Elton John backstage during the 52nd Annual GRAMMY Awards
Christopher Polk/Getty Images
66/82
Prince William and his Kate leaving Westminster Abbey in London, as David Furnish (left) and Sir Elton John look in 2011
PA
67/82 Royal meeting
Queen Elizabeth II meets Sir Elton John backstage as British singer Robbie Williams watches during the Diamond Jubilee Concert outside Buckingham Palace in London
Dave Thompson/AFP/Getty Images
68/82
Sir Elton John on stage outside Buckingham Palace during the Diamond Jubilee Concert in 2012
PA
69/82 Loving father
David Furnish, son Zachary and Sir Elton John attend the 20th Annual Elton John AIDS Foundation Academy Awards Viewing Party at The City of West Hollywood Park on February 26, 2012 in Beverly Hills, California
Larry Busacca/Getty Images
70/82 Getting political
Founder & Award Honoree Hillary Rodham Clinton and Sir Elton John attend the Elton John AIDS Foundation’s 12th Annual An Enduring Vision Benefit at Cipriani Wall Street
Larry Busacca/Getty Images
71/82 Parenting
Sir Elton John and David Furnish with sons Elijah and Zachary Furnish-John in Saint-Tropez, France
Rex Features
72/82 Carpool Karaoke
Elton John joining James Corden for his latest edition of Carpool Karaoke in 2015
The Late Late Show
73/82
Prince Harry greeting Sir Elton John after the Royal Variety Performance in 2015
PA
74/82 Family man
David Furnish tweets ‘Father’s Day madness hits the Furnish-John household. Happy Father’s Day to all you Daddies and Papas out there!!’
@davidfurnish
75/82 Performers
Elton John and Lady Gaga perform live on the Sunset Strip, on February 27, 2016, as a thank you to the City of West Hollywood for their support of the Elton John AIDS Foundation
Kevin Winter/Getty Images
76/82 Date night
Director-producer David Furnish (L) and recording artist Elton John attend the 2017 Vanity Fair Oscar Party hosted by Graydon Carter at Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts on February 26, 2017 in Beverly Hills, California
Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images
77/82 Sing it
Elton John in concert at Tingley Coliseum, Albuquerque, New Mexico
Albuquerque Journal via ZUMA/Rex Features
78/82
Sir Elton John attends the Elton John AIDS Foundation Commemorates Its 25th Year And Honors Founder Sir Elton John During New York Fall Gala in November 2017
AFP/Getty Images
79/82
Sir Elton John and David Furnish attend the Elton John AIDS Foundation Commemorates Its 25th Year And Honors Founder Sir Elton John During New York Fall Gala
AFP/Getty Images
80/82
Elton John performing on stage during his “Wonderful Crazy Night” concert at the Barclaycard Arena in Hamburg, Germany in December 2017
Splash News
81/82
Sir Elton John and Taron Egerton perform during the “Rocketman” Gala Party during the 72nd annual Cannes Film Festival
Getty Images
82/82
Elton John performs on the stage of the “stade de la Saussaz” during his final “Farewell Yellow Brick Road” tour at the 53rd Montreux Jazz Festival (MJF), in Montreux, Switzerland
AP
“To maintain a high level of much-needed protection, we provided them with a private jet flight.
“To support Prince Harry’s commitment to the environment, we ensured their flight was carbon neutral, by making the appropriate contribution to Carbon Footprint.
“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. Elton.”
It comes after Harry told Vogue of his fears of the “terrifying” effects of climate change, saying he and Meghan plan to have a maximum of two children because of environmental concerns.