One of the biggest questions that has emerged in the wake of the Megxit scandal is: who will pay for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s security when they are outside of the UK? The couple has already left England, and are currently living in a friend’s private mansion on Vancouver Island in Canada. Now, a new report claims that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have offered to repay Canadian taxpayers for their cost of security once they start earning their own money.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have already cut off their income from the Sovereign Grant, which is funded by UK taxpayers. And, they are reportedly living off of Prince Charle’s private income for one year during their transition period.
Buckingham Palace says Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will no longer use the titles "royal highness" or receive public funds after a deal was struck for them to step aside as senior royals.https://t.co/UG7EMZnEGx
— The Hollywood Reporter (@THR) January 18, 2020
The ultimate goal for the Duke and Duchess is financial independence, but since they need a full-time security detail, that will cost them millions of dollars a year. As a rule, anytime a member of the Royal family is in Canada, they bring along London Metropolitan Police officers as security. But, that’s not an option for Harry and Meghan if they do end up living in Canada for months out of the year.
Canadian taxpayers don’t want to foot the bill, either. And, according to The Telegraph, Harry and Meghan have offered reimbursement for the cost of their security at private business engagements that aren’t connected to royal events.
The outlet also claims that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex will start paying the bill when their non-royal business ventures start earning an income. However, it will depend on how much they earn.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex will pay towards their own security if they are commercially successful https://t.co/ygOfjijBCu
— The Telegraph (@Telegraph) January 22, 2020
The expectation is that Harry and Meghan will have no problem making money, as Netflix has already confirmed that they are interested in partnering with the couple to make documentaries for their charitable causes, much like the streaming service has done with former President and First Lady Barack and Michelle Obama.
Currently, at least six UK royal protection officers are guarding Prince Harry, Meghan Markle, and their son, Archie Harrison. But, it appears that their permanent security detail will most likely consist of officers from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
One former senior police officer said that Prince Harry – who is considered high-risk after the royal served two tours in Afghanistan with the British Army – is “entitled to proper protection whatever he is doing.”
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However, 24/7 security could cost about $2 million. And, how this bill will be split between the UK and Canada is still up in the air.
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