Meghan Markle, Prince Harry's Canada move could cost taxpayers $1.3M per year in security expenses
The queen announced Monday she had agreed to grant the couple permission for a more independent life, including their wish to move part-time to Canada
Canada will pick up the pricey security tab for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex during their stays in the Great White North, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau reportedly “privately assured” the queen.
Trudeau pledged to Queen Elizabeth II that Canada would foot the $1.3 million annual bill to ensure the safety of Prince Harry, Meghan Markle and their toddler son, Archie, would not be compromised, the U.K.’s Evening Standard reported Monday.
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The news broke around the same time the matriarchal monarch met with her 35-year-old grandson, as well as his father and his brother, Prince William. She later announced she had agreed to grant the couple permission for a more independent life, including their wish to move part-time to Canada.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)
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But their hope to travel and live outside the U.K. will entail heavier security and protection resources, the report states, noting the public's criticism of the royal family’s costly security expectations.
“I don’t think it’s reasonable to expect us to pay for everything the way we do for a royal visit,” said Aaron Wudrick, director of the Canadian Taxpayers’ Federation, according to the report. “If they’re going to make Canada a second home, a good step in the right direction would be to pay for at least part of it, and not rely on taxpayers to fund their entire lifestyle.”
Meghan, Duchess of Sussex and her son, Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor (Photo by Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images)
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The high-price security is due, in part, to Harry's history as a former officer with the British Army, according to the Standard. He has previously been identified as a target for terrorists, such as the Taliban, who have previously made assassination threats against him.
Harry, an outspoken military supporter, has completed two “high-profile tours” in Afghanistan, the outlet reported.
The Canadian security would likely be supplemental to the Sussexes’ British royal security team, according to the report.
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The Associated Press contributed to this report.