Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have at least SIX 100k-a-go taxpayer-funded protection officers in Canada

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MEGHAN Markle and Prince Harry have at least six 100,000-a-time taxpayer-funded British protection officers while in Canada.

Brits will still be forced to foot the bill for the couple’s security despite them moving abroad after quitting the royal family.

Prince Harry arrived in Canada flanked by British protection officers
The couple will require a team of officers while living in Canada

The couple will use 60,000-a-year protection officers, who will be paid overtime and sent back to the UK to be replaced every two weeks.

Experts say this will cost at least 100,000-a-year per officer once flights, pension and living expenses are taken into account, the Daily Mail reports.

Harry was yesterday snapped getting off a plane in Canada to finally be reunited with Meghan and baby son Archie as they prepare to enjoy a new life together away from the royals.

But it appeared he still had some luxuries afforded to a royal – including the army of Metropolitan Police officers.

There would have also been two bodyguards protecting Meghan as she waited for her husband in their borrowed 10.7million luxury mansion.

TAXPAYER FURY

 

The huge security bill is likely to cause more fury among taxpayers, who still look set to pay it despite Harry and Meghan being stripped of their HRH titles.

The couple have already enjoyed a 32million royal wedding and 2.4million renovations to their home in Windsor, which they have been forced to pay back.

Details of how their security will be funded have been a source of tension since the couple announced they will split their time between the UK and Canada.

The issue has not been addressed by Buckingham Palace, who do not comment on security arrangements.

COSTS MOUNTING

A royal expert has said the Canadian government may step in with a contribution – but a poll released lats week revealed 73 per cent of Canadians don’t think they should be responsible for the Sussexes’ security.

And they already appeared to have backtracked on a pledge by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to cover some of the cost.

Finance Minister Bill Morneau warned last week federal officials have yet to make a decision on the crucial contribution amid fears the nations taxpayers would object.

This is despite Royal Canadian Mounted Police officials confirming the couple are entitled to protection in the country.

But a squad of around 24 Mounties – suitable to the couple’s security needs – could cost around 1.2million a year.

HARD MEGXIT DEAL

The Queen spent a crunch few days thrashing out a hard Megxit deal after Harry and Meghan’s sensational announcement they were stepping down as senior royals.

Under the terms of the deal, the royal couple will have to repay the 2.4million spent on Frogmore Cottage by taxpayersand it “will remain their UK family home”.

It is understood Prince Charles will continue to privately fund for the upkeep of their home, but it is not clear if it will be through his Duchy of Cornwall coffers.

Harry and Meghan will also “no longer receive public funds for Royal duties” as they have quit the royal family.

The couple will now be known as Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex and “will not use their HRH titles as they are no longer working members of the Royal Family”.

And Harry will lose his Captain General of Marines, Hon Air Commandant, Commodore-In-Chief and Youth Ambassador titles.

QUEEN’S SPEECH

The Sussexes will continue to maintain their private patronages and associations, but they “no longer formally represent The Queen”.

After a year, the Megxit deal will be reviewed again by the Queen, Prince Charles and Prince William.

Speaking after the terms were reached, the Queen said she was pleased that “a constructive and supportive way forward” had been found.

And she reiterated that Prince Harry, Meghan and baby Archie “will always be much loved members of my family”.

Her Majesty also wished them a “happy and peaceful new life” after mentioning the Duchess separately.

The Queen said: “I want to thank them for all their dedicated work across this country, the Commonwealth and beyond, and am particularly proud of how Meghan has so quickly become one of the family.”

Harry and Meghan intend to spend a lot of time in Canada
The 35-year-old will reunite with his wife Meghan Markle and son Archie
The 35-year-old will reunite with his wife Meghan Markle and son Archie in the country
The house the Sussexes have rented on Vancouver Island
The Queen last night released details just days after crunch talks with her grandson
The Queen thrashed out a hard Megxit deal