Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s Romantic New Year Break on an Economy Flight

Prince Harry and his fiancée, Meghan Markle, have flown to the French Riviera for a romantic New Year break.

The couple boarded an economy flight with seats next to the toilets in an attempt to remain incognito.

According to sources, they flew out of Heathrow on New Year's Eve on a scheduled British Airways flight to Nice.

The couple boarded their 9.55am flight before any other passengers and headed straight to the back of the plane, next to the rear toilets.

They also took up three rows of economy seats either side of the aisle, even though there were only themselves and three nervous bodyguards in their party.

Harry, 33, slumped down next to the window dressed in jeans, a jacket and with a baseball cap pulled over his face.

Miss Markle, 36, was sitting next to him in a black beanie hat and minimal makeup.

The aircraft actually took off several minutes early, much to the surprise of other passengers, and shaved 20 minutes off its two-hour flight time.

The couple's party was met by two heavily armed officers from the French border police as they disembarked, ready to whisk them out through the VIP area.

Several members of France's elite service de la protection, the police unit responsible for the protection of foreign dignitaries, have flown down from Paris to guard the couple during their stay.

It is understood that Harry and Miss Markle flew out to celebrate the New Year with friends and planned to stay several days at a private residence in the Baviera region.

The weather is perfect for a short break, sunny and a pleasant 15C.

By flying frugally, Harry is following in his brother's footsteps.

In 2014, Prince William shunned first class on a flight from New York to Washington, D.C., where he had met President Obama at the White House.

Earlier the same year, he flew from Memphis to Dallas in coach class as he returned from his friend Guy Pelly's wedding.

The trip to the south of France may well be a welcome break for Harry and Miss Markle before wedding preparations begin in earnest.

One decision that has already been made is the catering firm they will use for their main nuptials.

Royal household staff will man and cater the main event, which will be paid for by the Queen and Prince Charles privately.

The couple have also employed society-favorite Table Talk, most probably for the evening reception.

The firm has royal pedigree.

It was used by Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge for their 2011 wedding and by Kate's sister, Pippa Middleton, when she married last year.

In light of the tragic events surrounding Harry's mother and the issue of terrorism, several officers within the force are armed with a Beretta M9, while at least one of them would also have a machine gun.

Kensington Palace declined to comment on the matter.

With its old-school glamour, year-round sunshine and beautiful beaches, it's no wonder the couple chose the French Riviera for their romantic New Year break.

They may have flown economy, but their love story is priceless.