A recent report has shed light on the substantial financial burden placed on Canadian taxpayers due to Prince Harry‘s frequent visits to the country.
The Duke of Sussex, known for his high security costs, reportedly racked up expenses exceeding £250,000 during the early stages of his relationship with Meghan Markle.
These findings, revealed in documents obtained by Canadian media, have sparked discussions about the significant costs associated with providing official royal security to Prince Harry.
According to CBC News reporter Elizabeth Thompson, Canadian taxpayers footed the bill for Prince Harry’s security arrangements, which involved collaboration between the RCMP and British security forces.
The expenses, totaling over $334,000 between January 2016 and February 2020, encompassed additional costs beyond the salaries of the officers assigned to protect him.
Thompson highlighted a particularly expensive period from 2017 to 2018, marked by Prince Harry’s official engagements, including the Invictus Games and appearances at WE Day.
During the Invictus Games opening ceremony in 2017, Meghan Markle, accompanied by Prince Harry and her friend Marcus Anderson, attracted significant attention.
Despite not being engaged to Prince Harry at the time and being considered a commoner, Meghan received protection from a Royalty Protection Squad officer.
The presence of British and RCMP security personnel underscored the intense scrutiny surrounding their relationship and the measures taken to ensure their safety.
Prince Harry’s visits to Canada between April 2017 and March 2018 alone cost taxpayers approximately $182,430, covering expenses such as overtime work and travel costs for security personnel.
The decision to relocate to Canada in 2020 with Meghan and baby Archie further escalated security expenses, with the RCMP providing protection at a monthly cost of around $33,000.
Assistant Commissioner Pierre-Yves Bourdieu emphasized the importance of safeguarding VIPs visiting Canada, citing the potential repercussions of any security lapses on the country’s reputation.
Following their decision to step back from their roles as active members of the Royal Family in January 2020, Prince Harry and Meghan found themselves without official security provided by the firm.
Despite their attempts to carve out a new path away from royal duties, the couple continues to face scrutiny and criticism, particularly regarding the ongoing security arrangements and costs incurred by Canadian taxpayers.
The aftermath of their departure from the Royal Family has left them vulnerable to public scrutiny and raised questions about their entitlement to taxpayer-funded security.
As the saga of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle unfolds, the complexities of their security arrangements and the financial implications for Canadian taxpayers remain a topic of debate.
The challenges faced by the couple in navigating their post-royal life underscore the delicate balance between personal freedoms and public responsibilities.
Amidst ongoing discussions about their security needs and taxpayer obligations, Prince Harry and Meghan continue to navigate the complexities of life outside the confines of traditional royal expectations.
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