‘More than 80,000 Canadians have signed a petition demanding that Prince Harry and Meghan foot the bill for their security detail while they are in the country.
The petition was started by the Canadian Taxpayers Federation as Laurel Collins, the MP for Victoria where Harry and Meghan are staying, said taxpayers should not be forced to pay for the Sussexes’ security.
Harry and Meghan are on Vancouver Island preparing to forge a new life for themselves and their eight-month-old son, Archie, after stepping back from royal duties.
It is unclear who will foot the bill for the family’s security arrangements when they officially leave the monarchy in the spring.
A former Home Office minister warned the British public could face an ‘enormous bill’ while it has also been speculated a ‘cost-sharing’ deal between the UK and Canada could be agreed.
However, such an arrangement would be opposed by Ms Collins, who said: ‘Yes, 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 that we put this into context and think about our priorities.
‘That we’re prioritising making life more affordable for people, that we’re prioritising protecting our environment and that we’re spending our tax dollars on the things that really matter to Canadians.”
