Elton John defends Duke and Duchess of Sussex as he reveals he paid for private holiday jet

Elton John has defended the Duke and Duchess of Sussex for their holiday and use of a private jet, revealing he paid for the plane and donated money to offset its carbon footprint.

The artist, 72, said he was "deeply distressed" by press reports of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's stay at his home in Nice last week.

He said Prince Harry's mother, Diana, was "one of his dearest friends" and that he feels a "profound sense of obligation" to protect the prince and his family.

"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," he said.

"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," he said.