Security headache as Meg leaves Archie in Canada

THE Duchess of Sussex plans to leave her baby son Archie in Canada when she returns to the UK this week, causing an expensive headache for her police protection commanders.

Metropolitan Police officers guarding them and Prince Harry have arranged major security operations in both nations – at huge cost to the British taxpayer.

Meghan, 38, is due to join Harry, 35, for three engagements in Britain before they step down from royal duties on March 31.

Canada, which has contributed towards the cost of protecting them since they moved to Vancouver Island last November, is withdrawing cover because of the couple’s ‘change in status’.

This means the bill for providing roundthe-clock protection for the family will fall entirely on British taxpayers.

Experts say the Sussexes’ decision to live abroad, as well as their insistence on retaining their official police protection, will see the bill for guarding them rocket – and prove a huge strain on manpower.

The extra security cost of keeping nine-monthold Archie in Canada without his parents this week could be £50,000, the Sun on Sunday reported yesterday. It is also likely to prove a huge disappointment to the Queen and senior royals, who haven’t seen him for months.

Archie is seventh in line to the throne, but has not spent any ‘meaningful’ time with his grandparents or cousins, according to one royal insider.

Harry and Meghan will fly back to Canada after the Commonwealth Day Service on March 9, and their Buckingham Palace office will close on April 1.