Royal tour: Prince Harry condemns plastic pollution on beach in Australia

‘There is literally plastic everywhere,’ Prince Harry said while taking part in a beach clean

Prince Harry has spoken out about the detrimental impact of plastic pollution, condemning the effect that “fast fashion” is having on the environment.

The Duke of Sussex was on South Melbourne beach with the Duchess of Sussex at the time as part of their royal tour in Australia.

The couple, who recently announced that they're expecting a baby next spring, took part in a beach clean alongside volunteers from BeachPatrol, an organisation that aims to reduce the amount of litter found on the coastline.

Prince Harry expressed his disdain over the volume of litter that they found on the beach during their clean.

“There is literally plastic everywhere,” he said.

“And you know, microplastics are a real problem, especially the microplastics from fast fashion.

“Did you know that’s one of the biggest culprits?”

Earlier this month, MPs called on British fashion retailers to stop encouraging “throwaway culture”, a trend being caused by fast fashion.

In a letter directed at 10 of the UK’s biggest high street brands, the Environmental Audit Committee outlined how British shoppers are currently buying twice as many clothes as they were a decade ago, leading to excessive waste on landfill sites.

“The way we design and discard our clothes has a huge impact on our planet,” said Mary Creagh, chairwoman of the committee.

The Duchess of Sussex wore eco-friendly Rothy’s shoes made from recycled water bottles while taking part in the beach clean with students from Albert Park primary school and Albert Park college.

“It’s amazing what you guys are doing,” she told the students.

“Well done, you’re doing a really great job. Keep it up.”

After visiting South Melbourne beach, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex ventured to Bondi Beach where they took part in an “Anti Bad Vibe Circle” with the OneWave Community.

While sitting in the circle, members of the community shared their experiences of suffering from mental health issues, something that Prince Harry has spoken very candidly about in the past.