Graham Miller, the newly appointed director of Prince Harry's eco-tourism initiative Travalyst, has previously expressed strong disapproval of frequent flying, likening it to "boasting that you drank five pints and drove home." Miller made these remarks in 2020 while a lecturer at the University of Surrey.
Prince Harry launched Travalyst in 2019 with the stated aim of promoting more environmentally friendly tourism. However, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have faced accusations of hypocrisy due to their own use of private jets. In 2019 alone, the couple reportedly took four private jet trips within an 11-day period.
At the time of the initial criticism, Prince Harry responded by stating that "no one is perfect" and "we can all do better." He has also defended such travel, citing the need to ensure his family's safety on "unique" occasions. In 2022, he addressed the United Nations, highlighting the severe impact of climate change on the planet.
Despite these efforts, public scrutiny continued. In 2023, Harry and Meghan were criticized for taking a 40-minute private flight to attend a concert in Las Vegas. Later that year, they reportedly flew over 2,000 miles from New Jersey to the Caribbean island of Canouan in a Falcon 7X for a holiday, subsequently traveling to Atlanta, Georgia, in the same aircraft.
Miller's past comments suggest a stark perspective on air travel, potentially creating a contrast with the public image of Travalyst and its founder. His comparison of frequent flyers to those who drive under the influence indicates a critical stance on the environmental impact of aviation.