Prince Harry is said to have cost Canadian taxpayers an eye-opening $539,575 in security expenses during his visits over a five-year period, a new report claims.
The Duke of Sussex alone accounted for roughly 10% of the total amount spent protecting more than 100 internationally protected persons who visited the country during that timeframe. The situation stands in sharp contrast to the UK, where Harry no longer receives taxpayer-funded police protection.
Security provided to Prince Harry during his personal and official visits to Canada cost taxpayers at least $539,575 over a five-year period, making him the country’s most expensive internationally protected person during that span, according to government records.
Documents obtained by CBC News through Canada’s access-to-information laws show that between the 2014-15 and 2019-20 fiscal years, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) spent that amount protecting the Duke of Sussex.
The expenses covered official appearances, including the Invictus Games, as well as private trips to visit his then-girlfriend Meghan Markle while she was filming “Suits” in Toronto.
Prince Harry’s Protection Bill Surpassed Top Dignitaries
Harry’s security bill accounted for roughly 10% of the $5.2 million the RCMP spent protecting more than 100 internationally protected persons during the same period.
His protection costs exceeded those for several high-profile visitors, including former U.S. President Barack Obama, President Donald Trump and members of his family, Eric Trump, and former U.K. Prime Minister Tony Blair.
CBC News noted the figures do not include other members of the Royal Family, such as Princess Anne or Prince Edward, whose visits were classified as “private working” engagements.
The outlet also reported that the published figures cover incremental expenses, including travel and overtime, but exclude officers’ regular salaries, meaning the total cost was likely higher.
Security Expert Questions Taxpayer Burden
Harry’s security costs also surpassed those of several other prominent visitors. Barack and Michelle Obama’s protection totaled $295,411, while Bill and Hillary Clinton’s security cost $143,927. President Trump and his family generated additional expenses across multiple fiscal years, while protecting former U.S. vice presidents Joe Biden and Mike Pence cost $446,333 over five years.
Many of those visits involved speeches, book tours, or personal travel rather than official state business.
Speaking to CBC News, Canadian security expert Phil Gurski questioned whether taxpayers should shoulder those costs. “Why are we paying for the privilege of them coming here to make money from Canadians?” he asked.
Canada Ended RCMP Protection In 2020
3The issue previously sparked controversy in 2020 when Harry and Meghan were living in Canada intermittently after announcing they would step back as senior working royals.
During that transition, Canadian taxpayers covered tens of thousands of dollars in security costs before the federal government ended RCMP protection in March 2020, following the couple’s move to the United States.
“The Duke and Duchess of Sussex choosing to re-locate to Canada on a part-time basis presented our government with a unique and unprecedented set of circumstances,” then-Public Safety Minister Bill Blair said, per the BBC.
He added that the RCMP had been coordinating with London’s Metropolitan Police on security arrangements “as needed” before confirming the assistance would soon end following the couple’s change in royal status.
Prince Harry Still Can’t Get UK Police Protection
3The situation is very different in Harry’s home country, where he no longer receives taxpayer-funded police protection.
RAVEC withdrew his automatic security after he and Meghan stepped down as senior working royals and moved overseas. Harry challenged the decision in court but ultimately lost, leaving future protection to be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Ahead of his July visit to the UK for charity engagements and a reunion with King Charles, Harry again requested police protection but was denied. Reports claimed the decision left him “close to tears.”
Following a separate dispute with Buckingham Palace over accommodation arrangements, Harry’s team said he had made alternative security plans for the trip.