How Prince Harry and Meghan Markle hid in plain sight on commercial flight without passengers realizing

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s commercial flight back to LA came after recent criticism over their use of private jets

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex arrive to meet Ireland's President, Michael Higgins
(Image credit: Photo by Clodagh Kilcoyne - WPA Pool/Getty Images)

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle reportedly hid in plain sight and traveled back from their recent New York trip on a commercial flight, without their fellow passengers realizing. 


Prince Harry and Meghan Markle chose to “step back” as senior members of the Royal Family last year and despite remaining prominent figures, it seems the couple were able to go unrecognized during a recent commercial flight. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex traveled to New York earlier this month to attend a series of important events in honor of veterans. When the time came to return to their two children Archie and baby Lilibet in California, the couple are said to have decided against taking a private jet in favor of a more eco-friendly commercial flight. 

As reported by the Daily Mail, one eagle-eyed passenger on the flight did end up noticing the Sussexes and took to social media to share a photo that appears to show the Queen’s grandson wearing a facemask and suit as he left the flight in LA.

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex attend the 2021 Salute To Freedom Gala

(Image credit: Photo by Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images)

According to the publication, the passenger excitedly declared, “"Ok this might sound unbelievable and I couldn’t get a good picture and I get [sic] you can say this could literally be anyone….BUT….Prince Harry and Meghan were on our flight to LA last night.”

They went on to suggest that the Duke and Duchess’ commercial flight almost didn’t happen, as they managed to grab the last few seats available. And whilst Prince Harry and Meghan were eventually spotted, it seems they spent the majority of the journey home with their fellow passengers blissfully unaware of their presence. 

“We were held up for about 20 minutes from our departure time and they were snuck into the last 2 seats. We didn’t even know until a girl waiting to get off the plane next to us pointed them out. I couldn’t get my phone out fast enough but it was them,” the passenger wrote.

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex attend Global Citizen Live, New York on September 25, 2021

(Image credit: Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Global Citizen)

"They were quickly whisked away and we were in shock that we were so close and breathing the same air as our beloved royals!" they added.

The couple’s alleged commercial flight to LA followed a three day trip to New York where they attended the Salute to Freedom Gala. It was at this poignant event that Meghan Markle candidly revealed she’s “always proud” of her royal husband, who honored veterans on the eve of Veterans Day in the US and Armistice Day in the UK. 

Their incognito return to LA comes just months after Prince Harry and Meghan were accused of hypocrisy when they supposedly flew back from the climate emergency event, Global Citizen Live, via private jet.

However, as passionate advocates for the environment, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex also took to their Archewell website in November to proclaim their commitment to reducing their carbon footprint going forwards.

“While we have actively made choices to offset and balance this carbon footprint, now, with the tools provided by partner organizations, we know that we can all do better. We can be net zero, and this is what we pledge to do,” their heartfelt post declared. 

“We are a young company, but today, Archewell joins our co-founders in committing to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2030.”

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Emma Shacklock

Emma is a Royal Editor with eight years experience working in publishing. Her specialist areas include the British Royal Family, ranging from protocol to outfits. Alongside putting her royal knowledge to good use, Emma knows all there is to know about the latest TV shows on the BBC, ITV and more. When she’s not writing about the next unmissable show to add to your to-watch list or delving into royal protocol, Emma enjoys cooking, long walks and watching yet more crime dramas!