After spending five days in Vancouver supporting Prince Harry at the Invictus Games, Meghan Markle made her way back home to California in a private jet.
The high-end Bombardier CL-600, reportedly worth $9 million, carried the Duchess on a three-hour journey with an unexpected stopover in Seattle.
While Meghan traveled solo, Harry remained in Canada to attend the final days of the event.
The Cost of Flying in Style
Flying private is far from cheap, and estimates suggest Meghan’s flight cost between $21,000 and $30,000.
With private jet rentals averaging $7,000 to $10,000 per hour, this trip did not come without a hefty price tag.
Beyond the financial expense, environmental concerns have also surfaced, as the journey burned approximately 800 gallons of fuel, releasing around 6.6 tonnes of CO2—equivalent to the weight of a large elephant.
The Mystery Stop in Seattle
Meghan’s flight itinerary revealed an unscheduled 30-minute stop in Seattle before continuing to Santa Barbara.
The reason behind this brief layover remains unclear, with no official statement provided by the Duchess’s representatives.
The luxury aircraft, designed to carry up to ten passengers, offers premium service, including a private crew serving hot meals and beverages, making it a comfortable yet controversial choice for travel.
A Quick Reunion with Archie and Lilibet
Upon landing in Santa Barbara at 5:01 PM on February 11, Meghan headed straight to Montecito to reunite with her children, Prince Archie, 5, and Princess Lilibet, 3.
Sources close to the couple stated that her early departure from the games was always planned, as was the case with the previous year’s event in Germany.
Meanwhile, Harry took a day off to relax before continuing his solo participation in the games.
Valentine’s Day Apart
With Meghan back in California and Harry still in Canada, the Sussexes spent Valentine’s Day apart.
Meghan shared a heartfelt Instagram post showcasing personalized gifts she brought back for the children, including Canadian-themed souvenirs.
In her caption, she expressed support for Harry, writing, “A taste of Canada and The Invictus Games for our little ones! Cheering you [Harry] on from home!”
Harry’s Continued Commitment to Invictus
Prince Harry remained in Canada to witness the tournament’s final events, culminating in the closing ceremony.
In an interview with People magazine, he reflected on the importance of the Invictus Games and how he shares stories of wounded veterans with his son, Archie.
Harry also expressed excitement for the next edition of the games in Birmingham in 2027, emphasizing their continued necessity in supporting injured service members.
Meghan’s Public Support for Harry
During the opening ceremony in Vancouver, Meghan was seen displaying affection toward Harry, planting a kiss on him and resting her head on his shoulder.
Harry later spoke about how much he appreciated her support, saying, “To have my wife here supporting me is amazing.
I love that she’s by my side. It’s such an important piece to this whole adventure.”
Harry Enjoying the Slopes
With Meghan gone, Harry took some time to enjoy the winter sports at Whistler, a resort known for its world-class skiing.
He participated in tubing on Blackcomb Mountain and attended an adaptive alpine skiing event, where he presented medals to competitors.
As a passionate skier, Harry has previously been spotted enjoying the slopes in Aspen, Colorado, alongside Kris Jenner’s boyfriend, Corey Gamble.
What’s Next for Harry?
While exact details of Harry’s remaining days in Canada remain private, he is expected to attend three more events before the tournament concludes.
With freezing temperatures reaching -11°C, he continues to make his presence known at the games, even without Meghan by his side.
His arrival at Whistler Mountain drew a crowd of eager fans, highlighting his ability to draw attention wherever he goes.
Security remained tight, with his bodyguard navigating him through the excited attendees.
As the Invictus Games wrap up, Harry will soon return home to California, reuniting with Meghan and their children.
Whether the couple will address the controversy surrounding Meghan’s private jet trip remains to be seen, but for now, their focus remains on family and their respective commitments.