Princess Anne makes 3 copter trips in 12 days
PRINCESS Anne is accused of making a mockery of the Royal family’s eco credentials by taking at least three helicopter flights in 12 days earlier this month.
Her journeys included drop-offs in Forres, Scotland, on October 13, Weston-super-mare on October 22 and Plymouth on October 25.
A source last night told the Sunday People: “Prince William, Prince Charles and the Queen have all spoken out about the climate emergency in recent weeks, but it seems that Anne doesn’t share their concerns.
“Her actions somewhat make a mockery of her family’s campaigning at
COP26.
“It’s safe to say Anne is more Donald Trump than Greta Thunberg when it comes to these matters.”
Experts say Anne’s trips caused carbon emissions of around 3.9 tonnes, used hundreds of gallons of aviation fuel and cost at least £15,000.
It is estimated the Queen’s daughter could have cut her carbon footprint down to an estimated 0.5 tonnes if she had made the same journeys by car.
Prince William and Prince Charles are set to be key attendees during events at COP26 and the Queen was also planning to go before being ordered to rest for two weeks by her doctors.
She will still give a virtual speech at a banquet organised for world leaders, heads of state and other VIP guests. But Anne will not be among them and has previously spoken out about her scepticism of climate change, as well as environmental disagreements she has with Charles.
The future king, a long-time climate change activist, yesterday made a new appeal to the world, saying: “Sustainable urban development is clearly critical in responding to the climate emergency.”
By contrast, in an interview with Australian Women’s Weekly to mark her 70th birthday last year, Anne said: “I don’t even go down the climate change route.
“I think the way people manage ground is part of the discussion.
“Climate changes all the time. It has done so throughout the globe’s history, so there’s nothing new under the sun.”
Anne was also forthright over veganism, adding: “You can’t have a world without livestock. They are a necessary and very constructive part of our expectation to feed ourselves.”
Flights records show Anne’s trips were among at least 17 separate journeys made by the Queen’s choppers in October, including by Charles and Camilla during a royal visit to Scotland.
The prince has himself come in for criticism for his use of helicopters, including last year when he flew 125 miles to talk about lowering aircraft emissions.
A Buckingham Palace spokesperson said: “Official travel for members of the Royal Family seeks to find the best balance of security and efficiency whilst minimising any disruption to the public.
“On some occasions, when all factors are considered, a helicopter provides the best option for travel for official engagements.”