Meghan Markle and Prince Harry spent roughly $120,000 on a private jet to fly their family from Los Angeles to the United Kingdom.
The couple, who are relocating to Britain for an “extended period” this month, chartered a Bombardier Global Express XRS through Planet 9, a global private aviation company, according to aviation estimates. The aircraft costs approximately $12,000 per hour, and the transatlantic journey spans about 10 hours.
The jet was refurbished in 2023 and features two bathrooms, seating for up to 13 passengers, five beds that sleep six, and storage for 12 to 15 medium suitcases. A source said that Markle, 43, and Harry, 40, chose private aviation specifically so they could bring their family’s dogs — Pula, a black Labrador retriever, and Mia, a beagle — along for the move.
The family is leaving their chickens behind at their Montecito home. Archie’s Chick Inn coop, named after their 7-year-old son, was featured on Markle’s Netflix show “With Love, Meghan.” The couple also share daughter Lilibet, 5.
Markle and Harry shocked observers when they announced they would be moving back to the UK six years after leaving the country and settling in Montecito, California. “The palace was made aware of the move,” a source confirmed. King Charles III was told the Duke and Duchess of Sussex would be returning to Britain days before news broke to the public.
An insider said of the reason behind the decision, “I know that Charles is the reason they are moving back.” Charles, who announced his battle with cancer in February 2024, “looks forward” to spending time with his son and daughter-in-law, the source claimed.
Reports said they will move into a “non-royal residence” and will “continue with their business enterprises.” They will not be working royals. The children are expected to begin school in England later this month.
Royal commentator Tom Sykes said of the Cotswolds area where the Sussexes have been house hunting, “Obviously, that’s where he grew up, living with his father and brother there, and has happy memories.” The location is close to Charles and Camilla’s Highgrove House.
Markle and Harry sat down with Oprah Winfrey in March 2021 to discuss leaving their roles as working royals. The “Suits” actress claimed members of the royal family had concerns over their son’s skin color before his birth. At the time, Prince William defended the royal family and said the royals are “very much not a racist family.” Queen Elizabeth II responded that “the whole family is saddened” and that the “issues raised, particularly that of race, are concerning.” In his 2023 memoir, “Spare,” Harry accused William of physically attacking him, among other claims. The two brothers, along with their wives, remain estranged today.
The couple stepped away from their royal duties in 2020, and their return marks a significant reversal after building their lives and business ventures in California. Their Montecito neighbors are reportedly “thrilled” about the departure, with one saying, “Good riddance!”
The Sussexes are expected to settle into their new UK residence and enroll Archie and Lilibet in English schools later this month.