We won’t pay for Sussexes, say 80,000 Canadians
THE Duke and Duchess of Sussex faced a backlash in Canada last night after more than 80,000 signed a petition saying its taxpayers should not have to pay their multi-million pound security bill.
Sources suggested yesterday the Canadians were unlikely to pay anything towards the couple’s police protection amid growing public anger on both sides of the Atlantic over the cost.
It had been suggested that a cost-sharing agreement could be worked out – but experts now believe taxpayers in Britain will ultimately have to pick up the tab.
In Victoria, the capital of British Columbia province, where Prince Harry and his wife Meghan are staying, the local MP called for the couple to pay their own security costs, declaring that public money should be spent on ‘things that really matter to Canadians’.
Laurel Collins, of the New Democratic
Party, said: ‘I hope that they’re planning on covering their security costs. When it comes to the money our government spends and taxpayer money, it’s important we put this into context and think about our priorities.’
She spoke out as public feeling appeared to turn against the couple in Canada.
A petition started by the Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) a week ago which is demanding that there should be no publiclyfunded support for Harry and Meghan had been signed by 80,000 people last night.
Aaron Wudrick, the federal director of the CTF, said: ‘The Canadian Taxpayers Federation is launching this petition to make sure Prime Minister Justin Trudeau knows that Canadians are happy to welcome the couple as long as they pay their own way.
‘Canadians are already on the hook for the unlimited, unaccountable expenses of retired governors-general and they should not be responsible for funding the private lifestyle decisions of members of the royal family.’ It follows a survey by the Angus Reid Institute in Canada which revealed 73 per cent of residents believe that the country should not have to foot the couple’s security bill if they end up living there permanently.
The decision on who will pay for Harry and Meghan’s protection will be made by the UK’s Royal and VIP Executive Committee, an independent body made up of the Home Office, Scotland Yard’s royalty protection command and palace officials.
Sources say Scotland Yard will be unable to provide security in the long term as they do not have any powers to operate in Canada.
It is thought the Royal Canadian Mounted Police will have to provide the couple’s security, with the bill being sent to the British Government. But it is feared if the Mounties step in, the British Government could see the security costs spiral out of control.
Currently, a team of at least six Scotland Yard protection officers look after Harry and Meghan. But ex-Mountie Larry Busch, who has previously protected the Royals, estimated 24 officers will be required at an annual cost of £1.2million plus additional funds for security measures at their residence.
Mr Busch, who runs his own firm Strategic Security, said: ‘It would all depend on a risk assessment. There’s going to be a lot of curiosity, tourism, a lot of bona fide fans who will want to wander in and take a look.’
Dai Davies, a former chief superintendent who led the Metropolitan Police’s royalty protection unit, has estimated it could also cost upwards of £250,000 to secure their new home abroad. Mr Davies said: ‘It is the static cost of installing a security structure which is going to be a huge amount of money.’
Under Canadian rules, an internationally protected person (IPP) who requires statefunded security is defined as ‘a head of state’ or member of their family. But the couple are expected to lose that IPP status now they are no longer full-time royals. Yesterday, a spokesman for Scotland Yard said they ‘never comment on personal protection matters’.
‘We must think about our priorities’