The final details to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's new arrangement, as they step back from the royal family, is being worked out in Buckingham Palace. Reports emerge, however, that their security detail might reach to an astounding $25 Million (£20million) a year and it's causing a problem with the Metropolitan Police.
According to Mirror, guarding Prince Harry and Meghan might be even more costly in their new arrangement as non-working royals as the couple plan to travel around North America to field new offers and ventures in their bid for financial independence. On top of that, senior officers are aware that the Sussexes will need an additional team since their son, Archie Harrison, will mostly be left home in Vancouver if his parents are traveling for work.
An ex-protection officer apparently told the news outlet that the contingencies are becoming a headache for an already understaffed Metropolitan Police. It's also unclear who will pay the cost of Prince Harry and Meghan's security detail if they are refusing to take money from the Sovereign Grant. The requirements from the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are said to be "unworkable."
Other sources said that the initial cost of Prince Harry and Meghan's security details were calculated at less around $5 to $8 million a year. Realistically, however, this calculation might be inadequate as Prince Harry and Meghan, as well as Archie, will need 12 or more protection officers with an average yearly salary of $130,000.
On the Sussex Royal official website, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex wrote that they will still retain their security protection when they step back and shift to private life. However, they did not detail who shall pay for the protection. Rather, they underscored that the security costs could not be broken down and disclosed as it is sensitive information.
Prince Harry and Meghan have also earned the ire of taxpayers. Kris Sims of the Canadian Taxpayers Federation told the press that Prince Harry and Meghan should pay for their protection officers if they are going to live as private citizens.
Former Labour MP Emma Dent Coad said that Prince Harry and Meghan are going to be non-royals soon. They are multimillionaire philanthropists who will not starve if they are to pay for their bodyguards out of pocket.
After March 31, 2020, Prince Harry and Meghan will no longer be asked to represent Queen Elizabeth in royal events. The Sussexes will also stay in North America for most of the year while they try to land deals that will make them financially independent. This new arrangement will be reviewed after 12 months with the palace.
