Meghan Markle flies to New York on commercial airline to watch pal Serena Williams play in US Open final

Meghan Markle flew to New York this morning by a commercial jetliner so she can watch friend Serena Williams play in the final of the US Open.

The Duchess of Sussex, 38, boarded the flight just seven hours after watching Serena win in the tennis tournament's semi-final last night.

According to reports, she stayed up at night until 1am to watch Serena beat Elina Svitolina in straight-sets last night. After Serena reached the quarter-final stage of the tournament, Meghan rearranged her busy schedule and booked a last-minute trip so that she can watch Serena play in the final.

Meghan travelled without Prince Harry and Baby Archie. She will return to London at the end of the weekend.

A source told the Times: "It is a last-minute trip. Excited to support her friend, and then come back."

Meghan boarded the aircraft alongside her security just seven hours after the end of Serena's match.

The trip comes amid heavy scrutiny over the royals flying by private jet.