Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's Private Flight to the UK: What It Cost (PHOTOS)
The Reason Behind the Couple's Lavish Chartered Journey
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex reportedly paid around $120,000 to fly from Los Angeles to Birmingham on a private jet, and their two dogs were the reason for the splurge. Page Six notes that the aircraft costs about $12,000 per hour, and with the flight lasting roughly 10 hours, the one-way trip alone could have reached that six-figure total. The couple stepped back from royal duties in 2020 and currently live in California.
The private plane they used seats 13 passengers and features two bathrooms, five beds for six people, and space for 12 to 15 medium-sized suitcases.
The decisive factor in choosing this mode of travel was the couple's pets: a black Labrador named Pula and a beagle named Mia.
Their children, 7-year-old Archie and 5-year-old Lilibet, are expected to start school in England. Harry and Meghan, however, will not be resuming their roles as working members of the royal family. The family will keep their home in Montecito. Media reports suggest that one reason for the return could be Harry's wish to spend more time with King Charles III. At the same time, tensions between the Sussexes and Prince William and Kate Middleton persist.
The choice to fly private and come back to the UK underscores the couple's status and lifestyle, which continues to draw public scrutiny. Since the children are starting school, it may signal an extended stay in Britain. Still, the unresolved friction with other senior royals could shape how the family's relationships develop.
The couple's recent trip highlights their ongoing connection to the UK, particularly as they prepare for their children’s schooling. This move comes six years after their relocation to the US, which has sparked renewed discussions about their royal ties. To understand the nuances of their return and the implications for their relationship with the royal family, read more about Harry and Meghan's shift back to Britain.