Meghan Markle splashes out millions on private jet for short Invictus Games trip

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have long positioned environmentalism as a key part of their public image, but their private jet travel continues to raise eyebrows.

The Duchess of Sussex recently returned to California from Vancouver after attending the launch of the 7th annual Invictus Games, where she supported Prince Harry. However, instead of opting for a commercial flight, Meghan reportedly took a private jet, with the cost estimated to be as high as $9 million.

According to Mail Online, the same Bombardier CL-600 luxury jet was likely used by the couple when they initially traveled to Vancouver. Hiring a jet of that size typically costs between $7,000 to $10,000 per hour, meaning Meghan’s solo flight home was estimated to have cost between $21,000 and $30,000.

The report details that Meghan’s private jet landed at Santa Barbara Airport at 5:01 PM on February 13, after making a brief 30-minute stop in Seattle. The flight path showed that she departed Vancouver at 2:06 PM, arrived in Seattle at 2:40 PM, and then continued on to her final destination in California.

While the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have spoken extensively about reducing carbon footprints and sustainable travel, critics argue that their continued use of private jets contradicts their advocacy.