Prince Harry's Canada Security Costs Exceed Those of Other Protec
· news
The Royal Treatment: When Taxpayer Dollars Fund Elite Security
The revelation that Canadian taxpayers spent over $539,575 on security for Prince Harry’s visits to Canada has raised eyebrows. However, it’s not just the figure itself that’s astonishing – it’s also the fact that it far surpasses the costs associated with protecting other internationally protected persons, including some of the world’s most powerful leaders.
A recently obtained RCMP document under access to information law provides a rare glimpse into the secretive world of taxpayer-funded security for select individuals. The document shows a system that prioritizes the needs of certain British royals over those of other dignitaries, including former U.S. presidents and their wives.
Prince Harry’s military background as a veteran of the Afghan war likely contributed to his high-profile status and subsequent security costs. However, this raises questions about why Canadian taxpayers should foot the bill for his protection. Former U.S. President Donald Trump’s children or former U.K. Prime Minister Tony Blair, for example, may also warrant consideration.
The disparity in security costs between Prince Harry and other internationally protected persons is striking. For instance, the costs associated with protecting Prince Charles during his 2017/18 visit to Canada were $178,584, a relatively modest sum compared to Prince Harry’s expenses. Similarly, Meghan Markle’s reported $10,586 security cost in 2018/19 pales in comparison.
Critics argue that Prince Harry’s high-profile status and military background justify the significant security costs. However, this raises questions about why Canadian taxpayers should bear the expense. The costs associated with protecting other members of the Royal Family, such as Princess Anne or Prince Edward, who visited Canada during this period, also warrant consideration.
The RCMP’s efforts to keep the names of protected individuals secret for years underscores the secrecy surrounding this system. According to Simon Morgan, a former U.K. Metropolitan Police officer, taxpayer-funded protection is part of an international system set up by the United Nations. Protection is generally associated with the role that someone occupies and can’t be bought even by the wealthiest individual.
The disparity in security costs between Prince Harry and other internationally protected persons raises questions about fairness and equity within this system. As more information becomes available, it’s clear that transparency and accountability are necessary to understand the inner workings of this secretive world. Who else is receiving taxpayer-funded security? What are their costs? And what does this say about our priorities as a society?
The revelation has sparked a necessary conversation about the role of taxpayers in funding elite security – one we need to have, not just about Prince Harry, but about the broader implications for our democracy and public finances.
Reader Views
- RJReporter J. Avery · staff reporter
It's time for some fiscal accountability regarding the royal treatment in Canada. While Prince Harry's military background may justify certain security measures, it's absurd that Canadian taxpayers are shouldering a disproportionate share of his protection costs. The lack of transparency surrounding this issue is also concerning - we don't even know how much was spent on accommodations or personnel for these visits. By comparison, other dignitaries and former leaders seem to receive more modest support from Canadian authorities. It's high time we took a hard look at who deserves what level of protection, and whose expenses should be covered by taxpayers.
- CMColumnist M. Reid · opinion columnist
The optics on this one are a nightmare for Justin Trudeau's government. While Prince Harry's military background may justify some level of security, the fact remains that Canadian taxpayers should not be footing the bill for his protection while other high-profile individuals receive significantly less support. What's equally concerning is the lack of transparency in the system, with no clear criteria or guidelines established for determining who gets priority protection and why. It's time to reform this secretive and expensive setup before it becomes a full-blown scandal.
- CSCorrespondent S. Tan · field correspondent
It's telling that Prince Harry's security costs far outstrip those of other protected individuals, yet the real concern should be the lack of transparency in how these expenses are incurred and accounted for. The article highlights the disparity between Prince Charles' visit and Prince Harry's, but what about the long-term financial implications for Canadian taxpayers? A more thorough examination is needed to understand whether the benefits of hosting these high-profile visitors outweigh the costs.