prince harry pensive© Photo: Rex

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle touch down in LA with their children Archie and Lilibet

The Sussexes were rarely spotted

Ahad Sanwari - New York
Senior WriterNew York
Updated: June 6, 2022

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have been pictured arriving in Santa Barbara, California, after departing for the USA before the end of the Queen's Platinum Jubilee celebrations on Sunday.

MORE: The Queen's grandchildren and adorable great-grandchildren in pictures

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex flew out of London with their two children, Archie, three, and Lilibet, one, early on Sunday, and were pictured as they arrived via private jet to Santa Barbara, Montecito.

VIDEO: Royal commentator says Duke and Duchess of Sussex want to keep low profile during Platinum Jubilee

According to The Sun, the family-of-four were driven from their Frogmore Cottage residence to the airport and took off in the afternoon, in the midst of the Platinum Jubilee Pageant.

Not only did they miss the Pageant festivities, but they also were not part of the Queen's final surprise appearance on the balcony of Buckingham Palace.

RELATED: Jubilee Party at the Palace LIVE - ALL the best photos

The monarch was joined by Prince Charles, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, and their children for one final showing, expressing her gratitude for the celebrations.

Harry and Meghan were spotted out on Thursday at Trooping the Colour, and again at the Service of Thanksgiving on Friday.

© Photo: Getty Images

Harry and Meghan were prominently spotted at the thanksgiving service

However, on Saturday the couple were absent from the festivities, including the Platinum Jubilee concert at Buckingham Palace.

While they have been in the UK, Harry and Meghan had double the reason to celebrate as they marked their daughter Lilibet's first birthday on Saturday.

MORE: Happy 1st birthday Lilibet Diana! A look at her first year in the Sussex family

MORE: Why Meghan Markle and Prince Harry did not attend reception with other royals

The royal family all marked Lilibet's birthday on social media with public messages. Grandparents Prince Charles and Duchess Camilla wrote: "Wishing Lilibet a very happy 1st birthday today!" with a birthday cake emoji. 

Uncle and aunt William and Kate also wrote a heartfelt message to their niece and penned: "Wishing a very happy birthday to Lilibet, turning one today!" alongside a balloon emoji.

© Photo: Getty Images

The pair were absent for the Queen's final appearance on the balcony

It is thought that Harry and Meghan spent their daughter's birthday privately as a family. The lowkey celebrations come after Lili was introduced to the Queen for the first time in the midst of the festivities.

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