Canadian taxpayers spent approximately $520,000 to provide security for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle during their visits to Canada [1], [2].
These expenditures represent the highest amount spent on any single internationally protected person during the specified period. The data highlights the financial cost of maintaining high-level security for foreign dignitaries and royals under the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) protection program [1], [2].
Between the fiscal years 2014/15 and 2019/20, the total budget allocated for the security of internationally protected persons in Canada was $5.2 million [1]. This five-year window encompasses multiple visits by the royal couple to various locations across the country [1], [2].
Records indicate that the costs associated with protecting Prince Harry and Meghan Markle accounted for about 10% of that total $5.2 million allocation [1]. The RCMP is responsible for managing these protections to ensure the safety of individuals designated as internationally protected [2].
While the total spend for all protected persons reached millions, the concentration of funds on the royal couple distinguishes their visits from other international delegations. The funding covers the operational costs of the RCMP protection program during the time the couple was on Canadian soil [1], [2].
“Canadian taxpayers spent approximately $520,000 to provide security for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle”
The allocation of 10% of a specialized security budget to a single pair of visitors underscores the high resource intensity required for royal protection. Because the RCMP must balance limited funds across all internationally protected persons, the costs associated with high-profile figures like the Duke and Duchess of Sussex can disproportionately impact the available budget for other foreign dignitaries.
