The Duke and Duchess of Sussex reportedly had to pay a six-figure sum to fly on a private jet from Los Angeles to the UK. Prince Harry, Meghan Markle, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet flew into the country on a private plane from California shortly before midday on Wednesday, landing at Birmingham Airport. The family were said to have travelled on a Bombardier Global Express XRS luxury long-range business jet for the overnight flight.
According to Page Six, the Sussexes chartered the private plane through Planet 9, a global private aviation company, which costs around £9,000 ($12,000) per hour for the 10-hour flight. The Bombardier Global Express XRS, which was refurbished in 2023, features two bathrooms, seating for up to 13 passengers, five beds and storage for up to 15 medium suitcases.
A source claimed that the Sussexes used a private jet to bring their two dogs, Mia and Pula, to the UK.
The family’s brood of chickens has stayed in Montecito and will be cared for there by staff.
Pictures showing their motorcade, which included a large Mercedes van and two cars with blacked-out windows, have been making the rounds on social media.
The family is said to be settling in the UK for an “extended period” of time, amid speculation as to how long they will stay and where they will live, with the Cotswolds being suggested as the most likely destination.
Some reports suggested that the family would remain only for the autumn, while others said Harry planned to live in the UK for the next 12 to 15 years to give his children a British education.
Archie, seven, and five-year-old Lili have been enrolled in British schools, ready to start in September.
Harry and Meghan, who are remaining as non-working royals, quit the monarchy six years ago amid the Megxit crisis, relocating to the US, from where they criticised members of the royal family and the institution.