Meghan Markle at US Open to watch Serena Williams with Anna Wintour

The Duchess is watching the game with Vogue's editor-in-chief Anna Wintour. Photo / Getty Images

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex is in New York to watch her friend Serena Williams play in the final of the US Open.

She has been photographed sitting one row in front of Vogue's Editor-in-chief Anna Wintour.

After the backlash she and husband Prince Harry faced over their flurry of private jet flights, four in just 11 days, The Times reports that Meghan flew commercial to New York. The Sun added that she left the UK this morning and is expected to return home at the end of the weekend.

The 38-year-old jetted to the US on Friday, without her husband Prince Harry, son Archie or her team of staff. Photo / Getty Images

"It's a last-minute trip," a source said. "Excited to support her friend and then come back."

It is thought Meghan flew solo, leaving baby Archie, who was born in May, in the care of Harry.

Reports say the Duchess is a keen Williams supporter and has been staying up late at night to watch her play in the semi-final. The game finished at 1am, UK time, and seven hours later Meghan boarded her flight to New York. It is thought she departed from Heathrow.

However, The New York Post claims the trip is damage control over the private jet backlash and the controversy that arose when she banned people from taking photos of her at Wimbledon earlier in the year.

"She's coming after the scandal over people taking photos of her at Wimbledon this summer and will come with at least two police protection officers," the source said, "but they won't be able to stop gawkers from taking photos".

The Post also claims William's team isn't exactly thrilled the Meghan will be at the final, worrying that her presence will distract from the game.

"Serena asked her coach about Meghan coming when she won last night and everyone is worried," the source said. "Tennis players are very superstitious, and Serena lost when Meghan came to watch her at Wimbledon."