Prince Harry has just spent the past week or so in Japan watching his beloved British rugby team battle it out for the 2019 World Cup title.
And while the Brits didn’t take home the trophy – that honour went to South Africa – Harry clearly still had a great time, taking in the local culture along with fellow royal Mike Tindall, the husband of Harry’s cousin Zara Tindall.
But it wasn’t just what Harry did while on Japanese soil that has people talking – his mode of transport has also sent tongues wagging.
Following the controversial private plane scandal, where Harry and his wife Duchess Meghan were criticised for taking multiple private jets while on their overseas holiday during the European summer, Harry has been careful to ensure he only travels on commercial flights from now on.
And keeping in tune with his commitment, a royal fan spotted the Duke travelling in premium economy on a Nippon Airways flight from Tokyo Haneda Airport, heading home to London following his World Cup adventure.
“Sitting across from Prince Harry on our flight to Tokyo… and I can confirm he is a beaut. Nearly fell off my seat when he came on board. 100 per cent telling the truth. Shook,” Irish drag queen Victoria Secret wrote on Twitter, after spotting Harry on her flight.
“There’s also a tonne of rugby beauts on board. Every flight after this is going to disappoint me.”
Prince Harry was spotted on an economy flight from Tokyo to London.
(Instagram: @victoriasecretdublin)In August, Meghan and Harry came under intense scrutiny when they flew to two separate European destinations via a private jet.
The pair first flew with their newborn baby Archie to Ibiza to celebrate Meghan’s 38th birthday. Not long after, they then flew to Nice, France.
While many were outraged at the pair’s decision to fly privately, a number of celebrities came forward to defend the royal couple.
Most poignantly was Elton John, who revealed it was he who had lent Harry and Meghan his private jet, as well as his French abode on Nice, where the pair stayed.
Elton said he wished for the pair to enjoy their holiday “inside the safety and tranquillity” of the home he shares with his partner David Furnish.
He also hoped to “maintain a high level of much-needed protection” by providing them with a private jet flight.
Other celebrities including Ellen DeGeneres and Pink also spoke out in support of the pair.
Harry says no one is perfect and that he flies commercial “99 per cent” of the time.
(Credit: Getty)Back in September, Prince Harry addressed the controversy head on at the launch of a travel project in Amsterdam. which aims to make travelling more sustainable and better conserve popular tourist destinations.
Prince Harry admitted “no-one is perfect” but took responsibility for his actions.
“I’ve certainly felt that – but I’ve learned that we cannot dismiss the idea of trying to do something, just because we can’t do everything. We can all do better,” he said.
“And, while no-one is perfect, we are all responsible for our own individual impact. The question is what we do to balance it out.”
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When asked directly about his choice to fly privately, he replied: “I came here by commercial. I spend 99 per cent of my life travelling the world by commercial.
“Occasionally there needs to be an opportunity based on a unique circumstance to ensure my family are safe and it’s genuinely as simple as that.”
