Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s return to Britain began with a transatlantic private flight that Page Six estimates may have cost around $120,000.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex arrived in Birmingham on Aug. 26 with Prince Archie, 7, and Princess Lilibet, 5, days after their plans to move the family back to the United Kingdom for an extended period became public.
PEOPLE confirmed the family’s arrival and reported that they flew privately from California.
Page Six subsequently reported that the family chartered a Bombardier Global Express XRS through Planet Nine Private Air. Citing aviation estimates of approximately $12,000 per flight hour for a journey of roughly 10 hours, the outlet calculated a potential cost of about $120,000.
The $120,000 Figure Is an Estimate, Not a Confirmed Bill
Page Six reported that the Sussexes used Planet Nine for the trip from the Los Angeles area to Birmingham. The Associated Press independently reported that flight-tracking websites showed a private charter leaving Van Nuys, California, and landing at Birmingham Airport at 11:56 a.m. local time on Aug. 26. AP did not report the flight’s price or identify what the Sussexes personally paid.
Page Six described the aircraft as having seating for up to 13 passengers, two bathrooms, five beds capable of sleeping six people and storage for 12 to 15 medium-size suitcases. It also reported that the jet had been refurbished in 2023.
Page Six Says the Family’s Dogs Were Part of the Decision
A source told Page Six that bringing the family’s dogs was one reason Harry and Meghan chose the private flight. Pula, their black Labrador, and Mia, their beagle, reportedly traveled to Britain with the family.
The Sussexes’ chickens remained at their Montecito property. Harry and Meghan are also keeping their California home rather than severing their U.S. ties, while PEOPLE reports that they will retain their property in Portugal as well.
The British residence will be private and separate from the royal estate. PEOPLE says its location is being closely guarded, along with details about where Archie and Lilibet will attend school.
Archie and Lilibet Will Begin School in Britain
Archie and Lilibet are set to begin school in Britain in September. AP reports that the children have already been enrolled, making this stay substantially different from the family’s shorter British visits during the years after Harry and Meghan stepped away from working royal duties in 2020.
The move also gives the children more regular proximity to Harry’s family. PEOPLE reports that King Charles was informed of the Sussexes’ plans on Aug. 16 and welcomes the opportunity to see more of his son’s family in a private capacity.
The family had already spent time with the King during a July visit to Britain. Harry, Meghan and the children visited Charles at Highgrove, the first time Archie and Lilibet had seen their grandfather in person since 2022.
The Return Does Not Restore Harry and Meghan’s Royal Roles
Living in Britain again does not return Harry and Meghan to working royal status. PEOPLE reports that the King has been clear their position as non-working members of the royal family will remain unchanged under the arrangement established when they stepped back from official duties in 2020.
The British base will instead make it easier for Harry to spend time with organizations he already supports in the country. PEOPLE specifically identifies WellChild, Scotty’s Little Soldiers and the Invictus community among those commitments, while Meghan will continue leading her As Ever lifestyle business and pursuing other projects.
Harry founded the Invictus Games in 2014, and the competition is returning to Britain in 2027. Birmingham will host the eighth edition of the Games and their first U.K. staging since the inaugural event in London.