Canada’s taxpayers were left footing part of the security bill for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex during their February visit to Vancouver and Whistler, despite previous assurances that public funds would not be used for their protection after they stepped down as working royals. According to a report by CTV News, Vancouver police spent C$44,555 (£25,436) on security-related overtime during the couple’s brief visit, which was tied to promoting the upcoming Invictus Games in 2025.
The Sussexes, who spent three days in Canada attending a “one year to go” event for the winter games, were protected by private security funded through donations, as confirmed by a representative for the Invictus Games. However, the 390.5 hours of police overtime, which amounted to C$44,555, were not specifically allocated for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. Instead, the police presence was justified as necessary to maintain public safety during the Invictus events, particularly in light of unrelated protests occurring in the city at the time. These protests included rallies in support of Palestinians and Sikh independence.
Of the total security bill, C$10,221 was covered by the Invictus Games through cost recovery, leaving Canadian taxpayers to shoulder the remaining C$34,333. The expenditure was brought to light through a freedom of information request filed by CTV News. A spokesperson for the Vancouver Police Department clarified that while the security was not specifically for the Sussexes, officers were deployed in areas they visited to ensure public safety in case any issues arose due to the ongoing protests.
Doug Maynard, director of security for the Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025, reiterated that public funds were not used for the Sussexes’ personal security during their visit. “Taxpayers did not fund the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s security during their visit last February; their private security detail was paid by individual donations directed by the donors for that purpose,” Maynard stated.
This revelation comes after the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) confirmed in 2020 that it would no longer cover the security costs for the Duke and Duchess after they stepped back from their roles as senior members of the royal family. The couple had initially spent time on Vancouver Island after leaving the UK, before relocating to California, where they eventually settled in Montecito.
The disclosure of taxpayer involvement in the security arrangements for the Sussexes’ visit has sparked renewed debate over the use of public funds for high-profile individuals, particularly those no longer serving in official capacities. As the Invictus Games approaches, questions about the financial responsibilities of hosting such events are likely to continue.
