Meghan and Harry Fly Commercial, Sparking Financial Concerns

Royal experts question the couple's finances after their business class Qantas flight to Australia.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 9:22pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a cracked and shattered glass surface, reflecting a faint red light, conceptually representing the fragility and tension surrounding Meghan and Harry's public image.The couple's humble travel plans raise questions about their long-term financial stability as they navigate life outside the royal family.Montecito Today

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's decision to take a commercial flight from the United States to Australia has sparked questions about their financial situation. Royal experts claim the couple may be 'financially strapped' due to failed deals and a lack of large income streams, with high overhead costs like their 16-bedroom Montecito home. However, the move was seen as a positive PR strategy to connect with the public.

Why it matters

Meghan and Harry's financial status has been a topic of intense public scrutiny since they stepped back from royal duties. Their choice to fly commercial rather than private jet raises questions about their spending habits and ability to maintain their lavish lifestyle.

The details

Meghan and Harry traveled with the rest of the public on a Qantas flight to start their trip to Australia. Fellow passengers noted the couple's humble travel plans, with one saying 'it wasn't until we got off the plane that we realized it was them.' The couple reportedly spoke with other passengers about their children and the purpose of their visit. Royal experts believe the commercial flight was a deliberate PR move to appear more relatable to the public.

  • Meghan and Harry took the commercial flight to Australia in April 2026.

The players

Meghan Markle

The Duchess of Sussex, who is married to Prince Harry.

Prince Harry

The Duke of Sussex, who is married to Meghan Markle.

Hilary Fordwich

A royal expert who commented on Meghan and Harry's financial situation.

Ian Pelham Turner

A royal broadcaster who praised Meghan and Harry's decision to travel commercially.

Ted Jenkin

The managing partner of Exit Wealth Advisors, who commented on Meghan and Harry's potential to make money from their Australia visit.

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What they’re saying

“With their failed deals and lack of large income stream, no doubt they are financially strapped. They have huge overhead costs. What with their 16-bedroom home in Montecito security, etc.”

— Hilary Fordwich, Royal expert

“Traveling on a commercial flight, I feel was a very good move on their part as they continue to be seen as part of the people rather than in some privileged position and that will get noticed by the Australian press too.”

— Ian Pelham Turner, Royal broadcaster

“Meghan and Harry could make money from audience aggregation, premium access, brand leverage.”

— Ted Jenkin, Managing Partner of Exit Wealth Advisors

What’s next

Meghan and Harry's Australia visit will continue to be closely watched by the media and public, with ongoing scrutiny of their financial situation and ability to maintain their lavish lifestyle.

The takeaway

Meghan and Harry's decision to fly commercially highlights the ongoing public fascination with their finances and the challenges they face in balancing their desire for privacy with the need to maintain a public profile. Their humble travel plans were seen as a positive PR move, but also raised concerns about their long-term financial stability.