FT: Canadians count the cost of hosting Prince Harry and Meghan Markle

Mark Jones, Flickr

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s decision to give up their positions in the British royal family and spend more time in North America has rattled not just monarchists, but also Canadian taxpayers who fear being left with the bill.

Just weeks after the couple made clear their intent to step back, Buckingham Palace has said that the two will no longer use their royal titles or receive public funds. It remains unclear how their security costs will be covered.

Canadians’ lack of interest in celebrity news may make the country appealing for the privacy-seeking couple. However, with the Liberal government sensitive to any spending scandals, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau needs to handle any long-term move carefully, observers said.

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