Canada provides extra police for Meghan and Harry’s Invictus event visit

Summary:

• Canada funded additional police presence during Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s visit to Vancouver for an Invictus Games event.
• This decision marks a reversal from earlier policies on not using taxpayer money for the Sussexes’ security.
• Private donors funded the Sussexes’ personal security, with Canadian taxpayers covering $34,333 in overtime expenses.

In February, Canada covered the extra cost of police presence during Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s visit to Vancouver for an Invictus Games preview. This marks a notable policy shift, as Canada had previously stated it would not use taxpayer funds for the Sussexes’ security after they stepped down from their royal duties.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex had initially moved to Canada before relocating to the US in 2020. Their return to Canada in February resulted in Vancouver police incurring $44,555 in overtime expenses, primarily due to the need for increased security amid unrelated protests.

While private donors funded the Sussexes’ personal security, Canadian taxpayers covered $34,333 of the overtime costs. The Invictus Games contributed $10,221 toward the security expenses. Additionally, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are set to have a substantial security team for their upcoming tour of Colombia, with costs covered by Colombian taxpayers.