Prince Harry and Meghan Markle return to California, ‘done’ with UK

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle trip to the UK came to an early end as they returned to California before the Platinum Jubilee ended.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s Platinum Jubilee trip came to an early end.

The couple returned to California with their son, Archie, 3, and their daughter, LiIlibet, 1, on Monday (AEST).

The family of four reportedly flew out of Farnborough Airport in England on a private jet at 1.30pm local time, missing the Platinum Jubilee Pageant that closed out Queen Elizabeth II’s four-day festivities.

“There was no fanfare, they just went,” one insider told the Sun of the trip that was the first time in the UK for Harry’s daughter, Lilibet.

“They didn’t stick around for the Platinum Jubilee pageant,” the insider said.

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Prince Harry was photographed arriving back in the USA. Picture: Shutterstock/Media Mode

Prince Harry, Meghan Markle and their family - plus what appears to be some very precious cargo - arrive back in California. Picture: Maciel/BACKGRID

At least they didn’t return empty-handed. Picture: Maciel/BACKGRID

Their private jet was estimated to cost about $200,000, according to the Sun, which stressed it was not clear who paid for it.

As the Duke and Duchess of Sussex flew back to the United States, their family members watched the parade from the Buckingham Palace balcony.

It was seen by royal watchers as a clear show of the future of the monarchy, with Harry taking no place after his shocking exit in 2020.

‘They’re kind of done’ with UK

Royal commentator Neil Sean said the Sussexes were unlikely to make many more royal appearances in the future.

“According to my good source, allegedly the sort of situation with Harry and Meghan is that they’re kind of done. They’re through now with the United Kingdom,” he told viewers of his YouTube channel.

“Why not carve a brand new life out in California where they can do all the things that they allegedly wanted to do?”

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex and Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex depart the National Service of Thanksgiving at St Paul's Cathedral. (Photo by Chris J Ratcliffe/Getty Images)

“What it does appear to have done, this return visit… It’s assured them that, particularly one side of them at least, they have no desire to come back here and live in the United Kingdom on a full-time basis,” he added.

“It all really depends on whether that other side of the relationship wants to really cut ties for good and simply base themselves over in the United States ...

“So moving forward, it looks like this has validated his decision, but more importantly for Meghan it makes her reasons for leaving the United Kingdom – or whatever story she wants to spin – have now been fully validated moving forward.”

Prince Harry and Meghan left the party early. (Photo by Kirsty O'Connor – WPA Pool/Getty Images)

While the event honoured the 96-year-old monarch’s unprecedented 70 years of service, her great-grandson Prince Louis stole the show with his funny faces and antics.

Prince William and Kate Middleton’s 4-year-old similarly entertained jubilee crowds with his balcony antics during the Trooping the Colour parade last Thursday.

Harry, 37, and Markle, 40, also attended Trooping the Colour, although they did not appear on the balcony due to their resignation from royal duties in February 2021.

“After careful consideration, the Queen has decided that this year’s traditional Trooping the Colour balcony appearance … will be limited to Her Majesty and those members of the royal family who are currently undertaking official public duties on behalf of the Queen,” a spokesperson explained in a statement ahead of the celebration.

They got the hell out of Dodge. (Photo by Steve Parsons – WPA Pool/Getty Images)

Harry and Markle instead watched from the Major General’s Office inside the palace.

The following day, the pair attended the National Service of Thanksgiving, making headlines for their seats across the aisle from William, 39, and Middleton, 40, amid the brothers’ feud.

Harry and Markle were booed by onlookers while leaving the service at St. Paul’s Cathedral on Friday.

The duo reportedly went on to host a low-key birthday party for their daughter on Saturday.

Harry’s cousin Zara Tindall’s three children — Mia, 8, Lena, 3, and Lucas, 1 — were said to have attended Lilibet’s bash along with the duke’s cousin Peter Phillips’ daughters, Savannah, 11, and Isla, 10.

Louis and his siblings, Prince George, 8, and Princess Charlotte, 7, missed the weekend event after William and Kate rejected an invite.

This article was originally published by the New York Post and reproduced with permission

Originally published as Prince Harry and Meghan Markle return to California, ‘done’ with UK