Prince Harry’s Aussie slip-up in new ad for Travalyst campaign

The Duke of Sussex has revealed his Aussie connections and made a cheeky reference to wife Meghan’s private nickname in a new ad.

Prince Harry confuses Australia with New Zealand in a new ad for his eco-friendly travel company.

The Duke of Sussex also wore a T-shirt marked with the words ‘Girl Dad’ and referenced wife Meghan Markle in the bizarre skit as he launched his new campaign for company Travalyst.

In a shout out to toddler daughter Lilibet, the Duke of Sussex donned the grey T-shirt as he appeared in an ad to promote New Zealand alongside actors Rhys Darby, Rena Owen and Dave Fane.

He filmed the video for his eco-travel non-profit organisation, Travalyst, which aims to identify and bring about systemic changes needed for sustainable travel.

Prince Harry in his new campaign video.

The firm will work with six top travel brands, such as Google and Skyscanner, to collect data that will help consumers find details on flights with lower emissions more easily.

In the campaign video, filmed near his California home, the Duke of Sussex is seen jogging before Flight of the Conchordes comedian Rhys Darby chases after him and calls him “H”.

The moniker was famously revealed as Meghan Markle’s nickname for her husband when the royal appeared don the Late Late Show with James Corden.

When Darby, in character as an eco travel “rating” agent, finally catches up with Prince Harry, he comments he hasn’t run in a while.

“You know we actually invented jogging?” Darby says.

“The Australians?” replies Harry, perplexed.

“No, Aotearoa – New Zealand.”

“Oh sorry,” says Harry. “I know you guys hate that. Kia ora.”

Harry watches as Kiwi actors Rhys Darby rates his green credentials during his 2018 visit to New Zealand.

As the skit continues, Darby accuses Prince Harry of dropping a lolly wrapper at Auckland’s Bethells Beach during the royal’s tour of the country in October 2018.

Darby says: “It might have been a confusing time, it was windy.”

Harry responds: “I don’t think it was confusing. It was an incredible time. We had an amazing time in New Zealand. It’s beautiful.”

Prince Harry said he chose New Zealand for the launch as he was inspired by kaitiakitanga, which translates to “guardianship and protection”, a value he said he learned about during trips to New Zealand.

Launching the campaign on the NZ weekly current affairs show Te Ao with Moana, Harry said: “I’ve been to Aotearoa a number of times throughout my life and I’ve always felt a deep connection and respect toward the Maori people who make me feel so welcome every time.

“Maori culture inherently understands sustainable practices and taking better care of our life-giving land, which are critical lessons we can all learn and that is why I’m here with you to share a new kaupapa,” he told TV presenter Moana Maniapoto.

Prince Harry has launched his new travel project in New Zealand. Picture: Chris Jackson/Getty Images for the Invictus Games Foundation

Earlier, TV presenter Moana Maniapoto said she hoped Prince Harry’s message would “spark a discussion” among viewers.

“It’s interesting to hear someone who’s a royal speak about Maori values, given our history but also given the current debates about having Maori values at the forefront of decision making and relationships,” she said.

She said it was bizarre being contacted by Prince Harry’s representatives to have him on the show.

“I thought it was a scammer, truly, but no, it all checked out,” Moana said.

“Prince Harry wanted the worldwide launch out of Aotearoa and on this program.”

Originally published as Prince Harry’s Aussie slip-up in new ad for Travalyst campaign