Meghan Markle flies to New York to watch Serena Williams play tennis after snubbing the Queen’s Balmoral i - The Sun, Thesun.co.uk

MEGHAN flew to New York yesterday to watch Serena Williams play tennis – after snubbing a stay with the Queen because she was “too busy”.

The Duchess of Sussexsaw her pal storm through to the semi-final ofthe US Openon TV late on Thursday night.

The Duchess of Sussex, 38, made a last-minute dash Heathrow on Friday morning to jump on a plane to the States to watch Serena Williams play in the US OpenCredit: Getty – Contributor

Meghan recently declined a visit to Balmoral to see the Queen on her Scottish holidayCredit: Getty – Contributor

She made a last-minute dash to the airport yesterday mor ning to jump on a plane to the States to cheer on Serena live in the final.

Meghan, 38 – who leftbaby son Archiewithdad Prince Harry, 34, and their nanny – will stay the weekend in New York City.

The Sun revealed on Thursday that the couple – unlike other royals – haddeclined a visit to Balmoral to see the Queen on her Scottish holiday, saying that four-month-old Archie was too young.

Meghan’s spokeswoman also said it was because she and Harry were “too busy” with work.

She added that Meghan had taken a commercial flight – understood to be a British Airways plane from London Heathrow – and not a private jet.

She and Harry faced much criticism last month for catchingfour private jets in under two weeks for private holidays– while preaching about climate change.

Harry took a further two more to delivera speech on climate change in Sicily at Google camp, making it six private jet trips in a month.

‘TOO BUSY’ FOR QUEEN

A source said: “The Duchess was thinking of flying out to support Serena after she won the quarter finals on Tuesday.

“She stayed up late on Thursday and into the early hours to watch her in the semis. When she won, Meghan was like ‘let’s go!’

“She’s really excited to support her friend and then come back.”

Serena, 37 – who is on the brink of a record-equalling 24 th career Grand Slam title – plays at New York’s Arthur Ashe stadium at 9pm (UK time) tonight against Canada’s Biana Andreescu, 19.

Meghan was understood to be flying out without any staff, although accompanied by her royal protection police officers.

Serena’s semi-final ended at 1am London time yesterday. Less than seven hours later Meghan was boarding her flight.

Her spokeswoman said Meghan had paid to offset her carbon dioxide emissions.

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The Duchess of Sussex’s journey to New York – her first since her£ 330, 000 star-studded baby shower in February – is expected to generate 986 kg of carbon dioxide.

On Tuesday, Harry defended his use of private jets when he launched anew travel service Travalyst, to encourage travelers to holiday more responsibly.

He said he only used private jets to “ensure that my family are safe”.

The duchess is understood to have taken a commercial flight to New York after coming under scrutiny for her use of private jetsCredit: Getty – Contributor

Serena Williams will play Bianca Andreescu in the US Open finalCredit: Alamy Live News

Baby Archie is being cared for by his dad and nanny while Meghan is in the US supporting Serena WilliamsCredit: Getty – Contributor

The couple welcomed baby Archie in MayCredit: PA: Press Association

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry will bring taking their son Archie along to their Africa tour later this month — Megh an Markle and Prince Harry will bring taking their son Archie along to their Africa tour later this monthCredit: PA: Press Association

Harry to follow mum

PRINCE Harry will make a “poignant” journey during his tour of Africa to see the anti-landmine legacy left by his mother Diana, Buckingham Palace announced.

He and Meghan fly to South Africa for a ten-day trip this month – taking son Archie abroad for the first time.

Harry will also go to Angola, where Diana famously walked through a minefield in 1997 to highlight awareness. )

An international treaty banning landmines was signed just months after her death.

Sam Cohen, Harry’s private secretary, said: “In a particularly significant and poignant journey, the Duke of Sussex will have the opportunity to return to Angola to see first-hand the legacy of his mother.”

It was also revealed four-month-old Archie would not be seen when they arrive in South Africa on September 23.

There is normally an “arrival picture” when royals step off a plane to greet hosts. But Harry and Meghan are opting for a private arrival and departure –
though it is hoped there may be a family pic on tour.

Harry and Meghan will use commercial flights, but he will take charter planes to Angola, Botswana and Malawi, where he will pay tribute to a Brit soldier killed by an elephant in anti-poaching operations.

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry snub the Queen by not accepting her invitation to Balmoral EXCLUSIVE