Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's return to the UK is proving to be an expensive move, with the couple footing the bill themselves and sparing no expense. GB News royal correspondent Cameron Walker revealed that the private jet they used to travel to the country has significantly dented their finances.
Speaking on GB News Breakfast, Walker said: "We think it's about £9,000 an hour of flight time, and it's around 9/10 hours to fly from LA to London, so we're talking close to £100,000." Presenter Stephen Dixon noted that the couple "appear to have a lot of money" as they transported their family of four, "probably two security guards and the two dogs as well on that aeroplane".
Security costs a major concern
In response, Walker said: "I think it's the security question, to be honest. I think it's security, the private security they obviously pay for, costs a lot of money...it does cost a lot of money if it is sustained, long term, 24/7 security that they are wanting to pay for," he commented, alluding to the amount Nigel Farage reportedly spends on security.
Pondering how the couple might be financing their current security measures, Walker suggested: "There were question marks about how much money Diana's fund gave him, and indeed Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother's fund, and if that was potentially running out. But it appears not... so they clearly do have a bit of money and can afford to send two kids to private school."
Unresolved security issues could affect stay duration
Prince Harry's ongoing security concerns are yet to be resolved and could potentially impact the duration of his family's stay in the UK, reports the Express. When stepping back from royal duties in 2020, he forfeited his taxpayer-funded police protection. Although the Sussexes have armed private security in the US, private security in the UK are not legally allowed to carry firearms.
A source revealed to People that Prince Harry is determined to "continue fighting for that", referring to the desired security arrangements for his family. Insiders have cautioned that this unresolved matter could ultimately influence how long the family stays in Britain.
Shift from previous stance
Prince Harry has previously expressed his reluctance to bring Meghan and their children to the UK without sufficient security measures in place. The family's return signifies a notable shift from Harry's stance last year. In May 2025, he told the BBC: "I can't see a world in which I would bring my wife and children back to the UK at this point."
The decision to spend more time in Britain has reportedly been under consideration for about a year, with factors such as the children's school-age years and Harry's ties to the country playing a part in the move. The Duke is also expected to spend significant time in the UK due to his remaining patronages and preparations for the Invictus Games in Birmingham in July 2027.
