SIR Elton John has defended Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's decision to take a private plane four times in just 11 days.

In an emotional statement, the singer-songwriter says he is "deeply distressed" by the coverage around the royal couple's stay at his villa in Nice, which he calls "distorted and malicious".

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex and their son, Archie Harrison, stayed at Elton's French villa shortly after they had returned from a holiday in Ibiza.

But the couple were criticised for flying in private planes on both occasions.

Private planes use far more emissions per person than a commercial flight.

The couple are vocal campaigners for action on climate change and further steps to protect the environment and wildlife and use their enormously popular Instagram account to post messages on climate change.

The Argus:

Sir Elton took to his own Instagram account to post a message defending the couple.

He wrote: "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.

"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."

The couple are understood to have flown in a 12-seat Cessna plane. They were photographed boarding the jet twice.

According to reports, the couple had returned to the UK from Ibiza by private jet just two days before jetting to the French resort.