The Duke of Sussex incurred the highest taxpayer-funded security expenses among visiting dignitaries to Canada over a five-year period, according to Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) records obtained through a freedom of information request. Between April 2015 and March 2020, public spending on protecting Prince Harry and Meghan Markle totaled approximately CAD 539,000 (around £287,000).

These figures reveal that the security costs peaked during the 2017-2018 fiscal year when Meghan Markle was filming the final season of the television series "Suits" in Toronto. During this period, the security expenses for the Duke reached CAD 364,859 (about £195,000). The significant increase coincided with Harry and Meghan’s first public association as a couple.

The information was disclosed after a six-year legal battle by the Canadian state broadcaster to uncover the extent of security expenditures related to visiting dignitaries. The RCMP oversees security for high-profile visitors, and the disclosure sheds new light on the financial resources allocated by Canadian taxpayers for such protection measures.

While the figures pertain specifically to Harry and Meghan’s visits, it is understood that the expenses include coordination, personnel, and logistical arrangements necessary to ensure their safety during their stays in Canada. The data reflects official costs recorded and does not include any private security expenditure.

The release of this information has sparked public interest and debate about the costs associated with protecting members of the British royal family during their visits abroad, particularly those involving private arrangements and high-profile events. Officials did not provide further comment on the matter.

This report adds to the broader discussion on the transparency and management of public funds earmarked for security services for VIPs, particularly in cases involving international visitors with potential security risks.