Katie Nicholl at Vanity Fair has another exclusive about Sussexit, but she didn’t actually have any new information beyond “Sources close to the Sussexes say the couple had already made up their minds about their future before the so called Sandringham Summit.” Nicholl quotes from one of Harry’s unnamed friends: “They want to press ahead with becoming independent, living abroad and building their own brand.” The Queen reportedly hoped to convince Harry to reconsider, but Harry stuck to his guns. Nicholl is also still pushing the idea that the Queen was absolutely SHOCKED by the Sussexit announcement and I’m still like… please, don’t. Harry tried to do it the right way and tried to set up meetings with the Queen and Prince Charles last year, but he was given the run-around and Kensington Palace leaks like a sieve, so here we are.
It is not expected that Harry will meet face-to-face with the Queen, Charles or William beyond Monday’s “summit of heirs.” After the summit, the meetings are happening between representatives of the palaces and royal households. According to the Daily Mail, the meetings are now between “Sir Edward Young for the Queen, Clive Alderton for Charles, Simon Case for William and Fiona Mcilwham for Harry.” Those are the meetings where various subjects will be decided, including royal titles, HRHs, when (or if) the Sussexes will return to the UK, and yes, security costs. If the Sussexes make their permanent base in Canada – which is what all signs point to – then who picks up the security costs, Canada or the British government, or both? Justin Trudeau spoke about it yesterday:
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says there are still a lot of discussions to be had about who will cover security costs while Prince Harry and his wife Meghan Markle are living in Canada. Trudeau says the federal government has not been involved “up until this point” about what having Harry, Meghan and their son Archie, in Canada will look like.
“There are still a lot of decisions to be taken by the Royal Family, by the Sussexes themselves as to what level of engagement they choose to have,” Trudeau said. “We are obviously supportive of their reflections but have responsibilities in that as well. We’re not entirely sure what the final decisions will be.”
Security experts have raised concerns that the Sussexes’ move could be costly to Canadian taxpayers. Traditionally Canada covers police costs associated with the couple when they are travelling on official business, but a more permanent move is potentially a different issue.
“I think most Canadians are very supportive of having royals be here, but how that looks and what kind of costs are involved, there are still lots of discussions to have,” Trudeau said. “There is a general feeling of appreciation for the Sussexes.”
I don’t know what to say here? If I was a Canadian citizen, I would take issue with the idea of paying security costs for the Sussexes. But alas, I am an American, and my tax dollars are going towards the insane security costs for protecting Donny Smallhands, Complicit Ivanka and g–damn Kelly Conway. When you look at it that way, I would much rather be paying for the Sussexes than the Trumps, especially since… I feel like the Sussexes will always be the high-profile targets of a lot of unhinged people and racists.
For what it’s worth, the Times of London is making a big deal about how the Sussexes, on their SussexRoyal website, deleted the claim that they are designated “internationally protected people,” which is probably an opening for Canada and the UK to share security costs, but it won’t be the kind of high-level security which is given to the direct heirs, you know?
Photos courtesy of Instagram, WENN.
Well, I’m Canadian and while they are welcome here, they are going to have to go through immigration channels like everyone else. The Royals assume they can freely live anywhere in the commonwealth, but that’s not so. As for their security costs, I don’t want them here if their lifestyle comes out of my tax dollars. Not one cent. Trudeau had better tread carefully here.
Go through immigration channels??!!?? Come on. He’s a prince of the Commonwealth Canada belongs to. They are one of the richest families in the world full stop. I have to tell you while I think it must be sorted out, I’m not that worried about it. As a country we have bigger fish to fry here. Just a thought, if they sort out residency, I’m pretty sure them paying taxes will be on the table soo, then there’s that.
@hk9
My parents are both British citizens (and took Canadian citizenship decades ago). They have lived in Canada since before I was born. At one point I requested a British passport and was refused because of my being adopted (in Canada) and not declared with the British embassy before my 18th birthday. Had I been the natural born child of my parents, that rule wouldn’t have applied. There was something relevant in there about Canada having repatriated it’s constitution under Trudeau’s father, but I don’t remember exactly how that applied.
So, as a Canadian with British parents who was denied their nationality simply because of being adopted, I would sincerely hope that all 3 of the Sussexes will also be required to toe the immigration line.
Have any of you actually went through an immigration process? Like have you stepped into a consulate to fill out immigration papers? They could get this done in a day. Everyone knows that. They will make a show of it happening over a few weeks or a couple of months. They MIGHT request regular residential visas, but it’s more likely that they will have diplomatic visas. Please stop harping on about things you know so little about. They aren’t normal people like you and me.
Lmfao come on. What’s even the point when everyone knows that would all be for show.
This is the one part of this that has bothered me. I’m getting the impression, rightly or wrongly, that Meghan and Harry felt like they could dictate what they wanted in Canada, as members of the BRF, and I think most Canadians are going to be pretty pissed about that.
I think that’s your perception more than what’s actually going on.
What have they dictated that has given you that perception? I live close to where they are staying and no one knew until it was outed in the press. Any one who encountered them kept it quiet. They have made no demands about anything.
This is what didn’t sit right with me as well. Not only the issue of costs – which I am not at all comfortable with our government paying for – but this feeling like we were being approached as this realm that the Duke and Duchess were decreeing to. Like, no. We are a completely independent country. You don’t just decide to live here and that we will pay for you. No member of the royal family has any sort of special status here in Canada besides the Queen. We decide, not you.
I’m also local to the area they stayed in, and no one is complaining. Quite a few people are rather thrilled the Sussexes might become “ours”.
It still feels to me like a lot of racists are wandering around the internet astro-turfing this couple. I don’t believe there’s any serious push-back from Canadians about the Sussexes coming here.
I have a different take on it. I think the Sussexes downgraded their security status on their website so that — as they become 100% financially independent — they can then legally put their own private security in place. As their security status stood before, it was legally mandated how their protection works under government rules. I truly think they are going to hire their own team. All this about it having to be government level is now BS as there are very first rank private security firms more than capable of meeting their needs. Trouble is they have to get this all in place first, and that could take months so they have to have security until then. I keep saying, we need to relax and give them time to get all this in place.
I am a Canadian who is NOT pissed about it. I am happy that they have chosen to come here! They seem truly interested in highlighting great works and helping people. We can ALWAYS use more humans like that.
I too am a Canadian (an immigrant) and I welcome them with open arms and with a wide open mind. I’m giving them a chance to prove themselves before I jump down their throats. I don’t get the OTT reactions from some Canadians. It seems as if those Canadians are fallen for the British tabloids tricks to turn them against the Sussexes without even giving them Sussexes a fair shake. People need to calm down, TBH. This OTT outcry reminds me of when Trudeau govt. stated they were welcoming a couple thousand Syrian refugees, the most objection noise came from immigrants themselves. It’s like people forget that this country once belonged to native First Nations peoples and everyone else that isn’t first Nations in an immigrant or a decendant of immigrants. So let’s all calm down. The Sussexes are wealthy, they both are millionaires. I don’t believe they left the UK and didn’t wanna tap into their tax pounds only to come to Canada and take our tax dollars.
I think most Canadians (including myself and my family) seriously do not give a sh*t either way. Like, no one is ‘up in arms’ the way the headlines would have you believe
I’m not Canadian but I’m with them on this. If they’re private citizens they pay their own way.
Same. They are wealthy enough to cover their own security costs.
exactly. I don’t understand why that’s even an issue. being royals in britain, I know why they were financed. but another country financing their security or whatever…that’s be very insensitive in my opinion. they are so rich and not one dime should be taken away from the citizens for their needs.
Canadian here. They are absolutely more than welcome. But they (or the UK government or Charles or whoever – I don’t care who so long as it’s not us) pay their security costs. The taxation issue will be interesting – but a lot has to be worked out for that to be clarified. I’m interested re what status they want – do they want to be citizens? Here on a work visa? Permanent residents (what I think used to be referred to as landed immigrants?), visitors? It will be interesting what route they try to take and what the ultimate tax/time frame consequences are…
I asked this before, but what is meant by security costs? The police protect everyone who lives in their country. They investigate threats and mitigate them. Sometimes the post police officers outside of people’s homes to keep them safe when there is a threat. That’s just what the police do for everyone and some people need more security than others at certain times because they are in danger of being attacked, or they’re being stalked. It seems reasonable that the police would perform these basic services for Meghan and Harry because they perform them for everyone: visitor, resident, citizen.
If security costs include building a privacy hedge around their home and paying for a state of the art home security system, then that’s not something that the Canadian taxpayer should pay for.
If security includes following them around everywhere to make sure that they never come into contact with plebs (clearing traffic for them, clearing out a store so they can shop alone, preventing people from saying Hi or taking their pictures) then that also seems like something Canadians shouldn’t pay for.
As a Canadian, I would have massive issues if I have to pay for their expenses, security or otherwise. I am happy that they are leaving their toxic relationship in the UK and wish them the best.
As a tax paying Canadian I want to say that I absolutely do not want one penny to be going into their security. ZERO. It is enough that we are funding the figurehead that that is Governor General. Monarchies have truly outlived themselves in the 21st century. Harry and Meghan are welcome here, but on their own dime.
hmmm…did you say penny??? Canada uses pennies…unless??
@Myra it’s a saying. VS isn’t saying that Canada actually uses pennies.
@Hahema thank you! it is just a saying. I live in Toronto and word ‘penny’ is used pretty widely. Regardless of whether it is a penny or a cent, it should not be going to pay for Sussexes security.
My partner is Canadian, and all of his friends and family — on both ends of the political spectrum — are saying exactly this. They understand needing to leave a toxic family dynamic, but they don’t want to spend one cent of taxpayer money on the Sussexes and don’t want them to jump the immigration queue.
@dogmaom Well, some of my BEST FRIENDS are Canadian (so am I) …and they don’t care one way or the other. They’ve got bigger fish to fry.
@kerwood Wow.
@dogmom, I gotta say, as another Canadian here … no one I have spoken to cares about it either. Not one person has mentioned security costs. Not one.
@Pineapple I am admittedly working with a very small sample size, and it’s not like this is some kind of constant topic of conversation. But the time or two Sussexit has come up, all my Canadian friends and relatives have been of the “they are more than welcome but I don’t want to pay for them” mindset. It’s not like they’re out in the streets with pitchforks or anything — I am definitely not implying that! I understand there are differences of opinion.
That’s just it. I think some Canadians, and many foreigners, overestimate the importance of the BRF (love that acronym, ha) to us. Many of us are anti-monarchy, always have been. We are NO ONE’s subjects. H&M can pay their own way for any entitlements and services above what the average person gets.
They can stay as visitors for up to six months no questions asked so they aren’t going to be jumping lines.
Meghan lived (at least part time) in Toronto for several years while filming Suits, so maybe her work visa is still valid?
Not sure about Harry though… some people are saying he may eventually be appointed to be the Governor General. Can’t really see that happening myself, but what the heck do I know?
Can’t they be resident aliens? Or whatever the Canadian equivalent of that is? My husband is a Canadian citizen who has been legally living in the US since he was a child on a green card. He’s a permanent resident of the United States who is allowed to work, who has to pay property and income taxes, who is eligible to receive social services like food stamps if he needs them, who pays into and benefits from social security and disability, but who is not a citizen, so he cannot vote. He renews his green card every ten years. It’s more of a formality than anything else, though. It’s not like he’s being put through all the rigmarole one goes through when one wants to immigrate to the US and become a citizen. Like he doesn’t have to take tests about the US government, or prove that he will contribute so much money to the US economy. He doesn’t have to have a certain level of education or work in a desirable field.
This is just “SOME” Canadians and BM/tabloids going way OTT twisting themselves into freakin pretzels over nothing burgers. Let’s look at this realistically: between the 2 of them, they have 50 million USD which is like 70 CDN. They are loaded, which means they’re moving here as millionaires whom the govt views as beneficial to the country in many ways. Harry and Meghan are not paupers that gonna get on our streets begging for food while requiring security from Canadian tax payers. Even if they just invest their millions, that’s injection of millions of dollars into our economy that will bring lots of profits. So They are able to pay for their own stuff including security. People need to calm the hell down.
Thank you @Salvation! a lot of twisting taking place with this story and I have a feeling a lot of bots will be claiming now to be Canadians and start whining all over the internet with faux outrage (no offence to the real Canadians who take issue with having to pay for the MH security and have legitimate concerns, which I do understand). I do hope they sort out their security arrangements and all other arrangements soon enough.
Salvation – thank you for being a voice of reason. Currently the average tax-paying Canadian forks out the ginormous sum of $2.00 – one toonie – per annum to pay for security for visiting royals. M&H have already stated that they will pay their own way, which indicates to me that they do not want to be a financial burden on ANY country where they choose to live. All this indignant frothing at the mouth over what? Nothing has been carved in stone, and Justin Trudeau has much more important fish to fry like the deaths of almost 60 Iranian-Canadians at the hands of their own military. The way people are carrying on it’s like they’re going to have to send a cheque for $100 to Meghan and Harry immediately.
I agree that they’re entirely able to and should pay for their own security but their website made it clear that they still wanted their security to be funded by tax payers, whether that be British or Canadian. That’s why people are getting upset.
@Jaded
Wait a min… a TOONIE!? That’s all it would take from each person!? As the meme goes, “shut up an take my money!!” Haha
Heck it’s more expensive to pay for a one way trip on our sh*tty TTC than to ensure a hard earn toonie of mine will go to provide safety for a family that’s looking to be of service to our Country. Dang, i’ll freaking walk a couple of blocks one time this year if that’s what it’ll take (It would sure do me some good too! Lol).
Yes as Canadians we are heavily taxed, but at least in this instance I would know exactly where my toonie will go, and i’m 100% content with that.
Also the Sussexes made it very clear they want to be financially independent from UK taxpayers, I doubt they would go through all that trouble and controversy to just come to Canada and rely on Canadian taxpayers.
Yes it might take some time to work it out, but honestly they are setting out to do a lot of good for the country, it will more than balance out (that is *IF* their security costs ends up being reliant on taxpayers—none of us know that for sure yet).
It’s pretty clear they will not be jumping any queues, the Minister of Immigration already stated that.
The speculation is that if they want to stay beyond 6 months they will pursue an investor/business visa. They would have to invest their money or start a business but that shouldn’t be too hard on them!
People are really getting worked up over nothing when it comes to the immigration stuff.
As a Canadian, I also do not want to pay for their security costs. If they could prove they pay taxes in an amount that would cover the cost, that would be different. But I think they need to figure this out quickly because either the British or the Canadian taxpayers are going to be pissed off at them.
The royal family probably doesn’t want to start a precedent of themselves paying for their own Security on tour or in foreign places. But I think this could be an exception.
As a Canadian, who works in immigration – Megan is a permenent resident of Canada already, Harry has rights as the father of a baby born to a PR. And even if he didnt, as someone with over 40 million in assets… he has a bunch of Visa options. They are not exactly unworthy.
I’m a bit confused by your post. Archie wasn’t born in Canada, would he not have to be sponsored by his PR mother (assuming she actually is one) to obtain PR?
Canadian here, married to a European. 2 kids born outside of Canada who are dual citizens (as am I now) but my husband would still need to be sponsored by me and meet the residency requirements if he wants to have some sort of official status in Canada.
THIS Mika!!!! I worry loads of bots are on here poo pooing the Sussex’s. That’s not how it’s done here. We see you. Harry and Meghan are multi-millionaires. They could pretty much “immigrate” where ever the heck they want to. It is an honour they would choose to come here. They are progressive, caring, soon to be philanthropists. The Country getting them is lucky, period.
Mika – Not doubting that she’s a permanent resident – seems likely she would have applied during the years she was here doing her show – but do you actually know that by virtue of your job in immigration?
If they want to be financially independent shouldn’t that cover paying for their own security too?
I agree 100%!
I very much support their coming here to Canada, be it part-time or full-time, though from what I understand it’ll probably be part-time.
That said, I do not want to pay anything out of my own pocket for their security, housing, or whatnot. We have so many things that our tax money could and should go towards before this (never mind the fact that they both have pretty substantial net worths, and could probably foot the bill themselves.)
A fellow Canadian here and I agree 100%
Harry and Meghan’s combined net worth is $30 million – they can afford their own security. Not one dime from Canadian taxpayers should be provided.
I agree. They are welcome to come here but as Canadian tax payer no way do I want to support or fund them.
In terms on immigration, I am curious. Harry I am sure it is not hard to get dual Citzenship. Meghan I am curious as to what type of passport she holds to stay in Canada so often. Wondering if by living in BC it is convenient to connect with Hollywood and her mom again.
Maybe she has her pr card – she lived in T.O. for several years…
@Carmen, that’s not how PR works though. She was on a working visa for Suits, but the work permit was likely only covering that. Plus she’s been out of the country for more than a year now. One of my colleague finally received his PR last week and he’s been a full-time University professor, Canadian Research Tier holder for 7 years. He actually was granted tenure sooner than he received his PR!
That being said, I’m sure it’s easy and quick to get PR when you’re rich, connected and healthy, so I’m sure they’ll get it fast
Thankfully Im an American and dont have to worry about this but id be pissed. Im all for them stepping back but the BRF has a net worth in the billions (allegedly trillions), Harry has his inheritance from Diana worth tens of millions, etc. $1.7 million a year may not seem like much but there are a lot of indigenous groups in Canada who are struggling and need this way more than they do/They can afford it!!
Money that goes to their security would never go to indigenous groups in the first place.
That is just an example. If Canada does pay then the money to pay for their security costs will be come from taxes. Its not like this expense was already being set aside and approved, so it will have to be taken from somewhere aka the general pool of money taxes generates. That money could be going towards so many more things rather than three people who technically don’t need it.
Yes but it’s the optics that look bad. This government is particular is very big on Truth and Reconciliation with our Indigenous population. The opioid crisis, lack of clean water, high amount of suicides in the North, etc.. have all been major concerns and spending money on security for members of the Royal family just looks bad. Like I said, optics.
This is the gripe of lots of British people too. Why are the Royals allowed to continue to live on tax money when they have such a vast personal fortune. Whether you’re a Royal supported or a Sussex supporter, it’s hard to justify spending that much money on just a few, already extremely privileged people when so many others are in desperate need.
+1, I wasn’t aware how RICH the BRF is until I saw the figures over the weekend.
If celebrities can pay their security why not them. If they want to be independent as they say, they should pay their own expenses.
They are still royals and may in fact retain their titles so it’s not quite the same as a celebrity m.
Aside from the crazies that would do them harm, Harry and Meghan are political targets. They need the type of security only a government can provide.
I disagree. They’re wealthy enough to get excellent security. I’m not a Canadian but I’m of the opinion that if they want to be independent, they should be independent. If not, stay with the BRF.
Canada is part of the Commonwealth correct? So while I get Canadian taxpayers not wanting to pay for their security costs, I also dont think it would be unreasonable for Canada and the UK to share the costs. Also since they will no longer be senior royals the cost would not be anywhere near what it was. Just my two cents.
My comment never appeared at another thread where I tried to make the same point. I read in The Times as well that the Met was having concerns over the rising costs of royal protection officers. They are currently leaning heavily on overtime and are struggling to maintain round the clock protection during visits abroad. If they live in Canada a good portion of the time they were discussing officers being based in Canada. I thought of the possibility of either hiring locally or compensating the Canadian police force, but to my understanding, royal protection officers have to receive specialized training which is extremely expensive. And yes, I’d say the same if it was any other member of the RF…to my understanding no other high ranking member lives abroad part or full time.
Yes, we should pay when they are here on an official visit, but when they have made the choice to come here they should cover associated costs themselves.
it’s a lot of money to spend on only 3 people, none of which are Canadian citizens.
Exactly.
But the Commonwealth is just an association of old British colonies, some independent republics are part of the Commonwealth even if they don’t are under the monarch’s rules, so there’s no clause that says that a Commonwealth nation has to pay for members of the BRF that would want to move there. It’s ok to pay for security during a visit, every country does that, but long term because they decided to break free? Nope, sorry, that won’t pass
Personally, I’m not super upset, I guess. I don’t think we should have to pay for everything, or anything like that. But I don’t have issue with sharing some of the costs assuming they will be doing at least some work while living here.
Another thing to consider is – if there’s a risk to their safety, it’s possible that Canadian citizens could also be at risk. Depending on the kind of threat – it’s possible that it could bring a risk for people in their immediate area. And I just think that’s something to keep in mind. Helping with security for them could also help potentially protect Canadian’s.
I do understand why people ARE annoyed by this, though. People always get up in arms when it comes to how their money is spent, and this is just another scenario for that. But I’m also not going to get myself hyped up over a hypothetical, at least when it’s just far too soon to know what the plan is really going to be.
All this preemptive hand-wringing from a bunch of new handles has be side-eyeing. I think folks are jumping the gun cause the want to complain about this issue when we have nothing substantive on how security will be handled.
I mean I hate to play the “war in other countries” card, but being opposed to paying security costs for H&M is way more of a symbolic rejection than a budget-conscious objection. For instance, Canada is on the hook for _$9 billion_ for the Trans Mountain pipeline, not to mention the flow-on costs of destroying our environment with more energy-intensive oil and gas extraction + climate change effects will cost us. I couldn’t give a fig if it costs us $2 million a year to give Harry and Meghan some security, that’s barely a line expense on the level of government expenses.
It’s a big Nope from this Canadian. I wish them well, happy to have then live here, and I think they will enjoy Canada but it shouldn’t fall on us Canadians to pay for this shift.
They are not coming as representatives of the Crown, and we already have a representative of the Crown that we pay to support. And before anyone suggests it, no Harry should not become our next Governor General, we haven’t had a Brit as our GG since the 50s and haven’t had a royal in that role since Prince Arthur (child of Queen Victoria) and that ended in 1916.
It’d be opening a constitutional can of worm if the federal government was to pay for part of their security or housing long term. Sovereignty isn’t very popular in Qc at the moment, but it upset a lot of Quebecers to pay for the monarch’s grandkid, and I’m sure it would be an issue in other provinces and territories too. We can’t provide security and drinking water to 1st Nation women but we’d pay for millionaires? Federal employees don’t get paid on time but they’d get funding? The optics would be terrible…
@arpeggi – THIS.
I don’ think Canada will pay for the security. But I also don’t think that was the Sussexes plan all along. I think they wanted UK to pay for their security, at least in the beginning. Surely they would pay for it themselves when they make enough money with time. But the RF probably said no (anger, remember), so now it is a bit of a difficult time.
Anyway, there are probably lot of people the security has to deal with on daily basis, so they are crusual to Meghan and Harry. They are not like nannys and shopping assistants etc. I also don’t think that at this point, H and M can afford it themselves. Even if he has 50 Mil, surely those money are not in the bank and he can’t simply go and get them.
Of course he can get his money. He just has to liquidate some investments. He could have enough free to cover a year of security in a day.
Cdn here…I’m okay with paying 50% for a set amount of time…say their first year. ONLY because the Duchess of Sussex is ALREADY WORKING!! She came to our poorest area in the country (Vancouver’s downtown east side) to support our most downtrodden women and children.
Especially as we were forced to pay for a grocery chain’s (Lowblow’s) new freezers (which should have been part of their ongoing capital expenditure program, y’know?!!!). But taxpayers paid for them which I consider a total mis-use of our taxes.
So yeah, if covering their security means no successful death threats on the black woman who ‘stole’ their prince, protection for their little guy so those hard-wired for crazy cannot get to him/them….yep, whilst they organize themselves I’m happy to help be sure none of that ugliness happens on our watch.
Also, as part of the Commonwealth, we may have a fiduciary duty by law.
Shirleygailgal, I had no idea about those Loblaw’s freezers! That is a travesty, and thank you for mentioning it for the perspective here. I’m Canadian as well, and I welcome the Sussexes. As you said, Meghan is already at work (in Vancouver’s downtown east side, no less). I believe Harry and Meghan may very well bring more money into the Canadian economy than they MAY cost us.
But she isn’t working – it’s an important distinction to make. She is not doing work for the Crown, She made a personal visit on personal time. While I think to shows she really IS about taking personal interest and genuine about charity, she isn’t working.
She is working. Not for the crown, but she’s working. that’s the part that people seem to be missing. Meghan and Harry obviously intend to keep working. Its just not going to be on behalf of the Queen. I doubt this is her last visit to the womens center and I doubt there wont be any type of follow up.
I work for a youth charity and we get a lot of politicians/donors come and “visit the young people”. It’s great to have the publicity and it helps with fundrasing, but it’s by no means “work”. The higher the profile of the visitor, the bigger pain in the ass it is.
@ Becks
She isn’t working. Yes, they are going to set up a Foundation for charity work, yes they will network to raise funds for those charities. Outside of that I am sure they will build private ventures for their personal wealth (I’ve never believed they would draw salaries from their foundation, that would be awful).
But THIS trip? It is a lot of things and all of them awesome, but it is NOT work.
It isn’t work if I stop by and drop off a box of feminine products, it isn’t work when she drops by.
Looks like Trudeau just purchased Canada a monarchy.
This is the larger point at hand. There’s all this fuss about financial independence and who “works” more, but none of these people are anything but celebrities who think they are entitled to live off the state and do as they please.
We’re already part of the Commonwealth so the Queen has always been the Canadian head of state so he’s “purchased” nothing.
This is not what the Commonwealth is about! South Africa, India, Bangladesh are Commonwealth countries too and they are republics: there’s nothing in the Commonwealth rules that state that the Queen ought to be the ruler (or the head of the Commonwealth), it’s just an association of former colonies.
@Arpeggi and T.Fanty – Actually the Queen is considered Queen of Canada and Canada’s Head of State. She is the personal embodiment of the Crown in Canada. In Canada’s system of government, the power to govern is vested in the Crown but is entrusted to the Canadian government to exercise on behalf of and in the interest of the Canadian people. That’s why we have a Governor General who is the Queen’s representative in Canada and that is why, as a member of the Commonwealth, we pay for security for visiting royals. Trudeau has purchased nothing and offered nothing in way of payment for security costs. My guess is Meghan and Harry will be offered RPO protection as part of their “termination” package. The Queen wants to come out of this looking like the loving granny instead of the callous hypocrite she really is.
@Jaded: you missed my point, being part of the Commonwealth has absolutely nothing to do with whether or not we have to provide security for visiting or immigrating members of the BRF. The Commonwealth isn’t a colonial version of the EU, it’s simply a group of countries that used to be British colonies and it’s not political; some like Canada or Australia are still parliamentary monarchies with QEII as the head of state, others, like South Africa or India are republics and answer to no King/Queen, others have their own local monarch. There are no rules under the Commonwealth that states that any country should pay for hosting the BRF, it’s not easier to immigrate between Commonwealth countries, it’s not even a rule that the Queen must preside over the Commonwealth!
It’s true that the monarch of England is the ruler of Canada (at least for now though I wouldn’t mind letting that go) and that during formal visits we ought to pay for the accommodations and security detail (though I’m sure that’s true for any diplomatic visit of any head of state), but H+M moving here isn’t the same as a diplomatic visit because being part of the Windsor family isn’t the same as being the Crown. We already have a representative of the Queen presiding over Parliament (and there are provincial governors too) and there are no clear constitutional rule that say we should do if a Windsor decided to move here.
@Arpeggi – When a royal visits a country it is at the request of that country and therefore they pay the security and other issues around said tour. Royals don’t suddenly wake up one morning and say… “Oh, let’s visit Lower Slobovia, I hear the weather’s great this time of year!” and expect security costs to be covered. For purposes other than an officially requested tour, all security costs are covered by the British tax-payers.
This is going to be a learning experience for our American friends (and those PRETENDING to be Canadian) who CLEARLY know next to nothing about Canada.
Genuine question – why do you think people are pretending to be Canadian? If you take a look at comments on recent Globe & CBC articles, you will see that people there have expressed similar sentiments and are overwhelmingly against paying for security. If these people weren’t Cdn. taxpayers why would they care who covers costs?
Because most of these people claim to be speaking for ALL Canadians and whipping up outrage over a non-issue for most REAL Canadians. And I have an idea that those same people are clogging up message boards all over the place. That’s what they do.
Canada has a lot of problems. Whether or not our government spends a MILLION dollars on security for a royal couple is not one of them. Or would these people rather the Sussexes be left as an open target, inviting terrorists and other evildoers to our fair shores to endanger the lives of the Sussexes AND innocent Canadians.
I can’t help wondering why these people spend so much time on people they hate so much.
Yeah, if you were judging Canadian’s opinion by the opinion here on Celebitchy or Twitter, you’d think 90%+ of Canadians are OUTRAGED by the fact that we might have to foot some security costs. Meanwhile, no one in my face-to-face life I have discussed this with is that concerned, and they are all being pretty balanced about it. It’s an odd juxtaposition.
You keep insuating people are posing as Canadians lol Why? How is it s stretch to think people might be slightly bothered by all this? Go venture outside this website and you will see what most Canadians think of this. It’s not about whether they like Harry and Megha, that’s really besides the point. All of this highlights why it was so important for all of this to be straightened out before an official announcement. Meghan and Harry were planning to move here straight away in 2020 it seems. The logistics should have been sorted out.
I like Harry and Meghan. I’m happy to have them come live in Canada. I think they will be happy here. I also do not think Canada should pay for their security, and everyone I have discussed this with feels the same way. Anecdotal evidence really isn’t very valuable here.
I don’t claim to speak for all Canadians, but having lived here for 35+ years and having paid relatively close attention to these issues over time, I am willing to make a guess about what the general sentiment in Canada will be on this. I expect that if you did a poll of Canadians the (probably overwhelming) majority would say they had no strong feelings about them living here, but didn’t think Canadian tax payers should be paying. There would be outliers on either end (don’t want them here at all vs. think we should pay whatever they want). Of course I could be wrong, but I’d be willing to bet on it.
I haven’t seen anyone whipping up outrage. I’ve seen lots of people saying “yeah sure, come live here, but I don’t want to pay for you to do so”. That is not outrage, its more indifference.
A 2017 ipsos poll showed that 50% of Canadians think we should cut ties after QEII dies and 60% think the Queen and RF should not have any formal role in Canadian society. I would suggest that this supports the general sentiment outlined above.
The Queen is already head of the state in Canada. We already are a monarchy. It is not up to Prime Minister Trudeau to purchase what is already existing. Harry and Meghan are coming here as private citizens who will contribute to Canada as Meghan has already started. As Erinn pointed out above, their security is also in the best interest of the country.
T. Fanty … oh, you mean like the 87 multi millionaire families who don’t pay their fair share of taxes to Canada. Get off it. Loads of 1% ers don’t pay proper taxes. It was mentioned in the last election. We have far, far greater inequality problems than any coming from Meghan and Harry. Loads of wealthy families live off of the rest of us, not paying their share, read a little.
Ultimately I agree Canada should not have to pay their security. To be honest, as members of the Royal family I think the income from the duchies they will be drawing from should fund their security, rather than any taxpayer in *any* country, and I always have thought this.
But I’m still going to side-eye those who never made a peep before about funding tours from royals like William and Kate, or paying for the Queen in her official capacity as Queen of Canada, and are getting vocally upset over Meghan possibly being funded. I get that there is a difference between a temporary tour and living permanently, but the principle is the same.
No the principle is different – when members of the BRF come on official tours they are representing the Crown and we foot the bill, that’s not what is happening here.
and some of us, MANY of us actually, get mad when Royals tour our country because of the costs.
The principle is the same, because you are funding a second head of state who is nominal, when you already have one. It’s either unfair to taxpayers or it isn’t.
“and some of us, MANY of us actually, get mad when Royals tour our country because of the costs.”
And those are not who I am referring to.
They are both unfair to taxpayers – deeply. I do think the principle is different though, but I also feel that we shouldn’t even have a monarch anymore so I’m biased.
“I also feel that we shouldn’t even have a monarch anymore so I’m biased.”
I suppose this is what I’m getting at, though I’m wording it poorly. The concept of a tour is iffy to me because the whole point is to emphasize the sovereignty of the Queen of Canada for now, and years to come. It is a shorter time, but has more implications for future costs than I feel Harry and Meghan’s presence do, comparatively. But yes, I don’t think Canadians should have to pay for any of it.
No, Harry is not here as a representative of the head of state. This isn’t an official tour. Harry doesn’t get the benefits given to the Queen or as a official representative automatically.
But you’re ok with being taxed for a head of state you didn’t elect? Just as long as we’re consistent here.
Besides, the Monarchy isn’t just the Royal Family – it’s the framework including the Governor general and lieutenant governors as well as visits. Canadians are already taxed for those. But they aren’t necessarily representative or elected either. I am confused about the objection to Harry and Meghan, when doing away with the entire royal framework would save much more money than getting upset over Meghan living there. But of course, if people want to be upset over both, that makes more sense.
It just doesn’t make sense to be complacent about the current taxation the Monarchy costs Canadians and then get upset over Harry and Meghan.
@ Maria
I believe you are forgetting that when a Royal tours a country, it is at the request of that country and therefore they pay the security and other issues around said tour.
Mrs – yes, that is my mistake. But the Queen being the official monarch of Canada plays a role here.
@ Maria
It really doesn’t. By their own words, they are foregoing any PUBLIC FUNDS, if they choose to not take funds from the sovereign grant, which again is their stated intention, then why on Earth would they expect taxpayers from a Commonwealth nation to fund the bill?
Note: Yes, I am aware it is all speculation at this point, but the title of the article is will they? So that is what I am speculating on.
Oh definitely – we’re all speculating, lol. At the very least all of us non-Canadians are getting very good Canadian civics information from all the informative comments.
They’re not forgoing public funds in the security department in the UK -the Sovereign Grant doesn’t cover security, as far as I know.
I don’t think they’ll expect taxpayers to do so in Canada, but that’s just me.
Yeah, I think that there is a difference between the Crown and the Windsor family: Canada has duties toward the Crown (Queen, GG, etc.) but not toward the Windsors: W+M are coming as Windsors, not on behalf of the Crown
Surely funding a tour vs funding permanent protection is not the same.
In both cases taxpayers are required to fund people from the Royal family who do not live in Canada and are not elected.
Either the system is unfair or it isn’t.
It’s different. An official tour is done on the invitation of Canada (or whatever country they are visiting). When you invite someone, you pay their way. Canada might welcome Harry and Meghan living here, but we didn’t invite them.
Canada pays for the Queen because she is the Queen of Canada. And MacLeans has this to say: “According to the latest figures out of Buckingham Palace, while Canadians are shelling out $1.53 per capita, the British are only paying about $1.32. And the Monarchist League’s own numbers show the Canadian cost is skyrocketing. Over just the last 10 years, the per capita bill for supporting the monarchist framework— including expenses incurred by the royal clan on Canadian soil, as well as the cost of running the offices of the Governor General and our 10 provincial lieutenant-governors—has more than doubled.”
The idea that this is the case and people are bewildered by the possibility of being taxed for Harry and Meghan just displays that some people aren’t actually looking at the finances of being in Canada as part of the Queen’s domain and Commonwealth.
Either do away with the framework, or keep it and don’t be surprised if the 6th in line gets to discuss whether he gets security detail or not.
Maria – I disagree.
You’re right, Canadians pay for the Queen of Canada and her representatives here in Canada, whether they be lieutenant governors, the governor general or a member of the RF here on tour. The difference here is that unless Harry or Meghan are appointed to one of those roles, they are not representing the Queen in Canada. They are living here as private citizens. Yes, they are private citizens who have unique security requirements, but they aren’t representatives of the Queen just by virtue of H being her grandson. This applies to any member of the Royal Family and anyone in the line of succession.
From the government of Canada website:
Who pays for Royal Tours of Canada?
“There are two types of Royal Tours: official tours and working or private visits. The Government of Canada covers costs when it extends an official invitation . . . Invitations for working or private visits may be extended by groups such as regiments, sports organizations, etc. In these instances, the Government of Canada has no financial involvement.”
They can’t just move here and expect costs to be covered without an invitation from Canada. That is not how our constitutional monarchy works. They are moving here as private citizens who happen to be members of the Royal Family. That does not make them representatives of the Crown such that they are entitled to funding. Will Canada consider covering some of the costs? Maybe. But there is no obligation here.
Okay, that makes sense.
Keep in mind I don’t think they think they are entitled to Canadian money.
Just curious as to how it will play out. There’s no real precedent here.
I’m curious too! I think funding for security is a big part of the ongoing negotiations. If I were to guess I think Harry and Meghan’s position is that security is necessary and it shouldn’t be coming out of their own pocket for the time being. I don’t think they are pushing for Canada to pay, but I’m sure its one of the options to be explored (which is why many Canadians are putting their opinions on the record!)
Their security is more complicated than that. As members of the BRF they are high value targets. They need specially trained security officers who can are part of the larger police apparatus. A private security firm is not going to be able to call for back up should it be needed, nor is any foreign country required to admit private security teams.
Absolutely. But I have a difficult time believing the finances couldn’t be arranged to help pay for this, even if the security is part of the larger police apparatus.
If they can put their money into trusts, into offshore accounts, lobby Parliament for freedom from the Freedom of Information Act, I am sure they would be able to pay for at least part of their protection individually.
This is a statement about the Royal Family on the whole, not Harry and Meghan.
Funding a week or two every few years vs. funding 6+ months every year.
Funding senior royals on a work trip vs. funding minor royals living and working for themselves.
There’s a vast difference.
Do you believe that funding people who are unelected and don’t represent you is still fair if it only happens once every few years?
No, I don’t think it’s fair. I think the monarchy should be abolished, that they should all be stripped of every single privilege ever afforded them, and that (in a perfect world) they should have to pay back the tax payers every cent that’s ever been wasted on them out of their private funds. Empty the coffers and force the lot of them to live the ‘normal’ lives they’re always pretending they want.
However, in terms of what people will tolerate without rising up against the wastes of oxygen, I think the difference between a tour and long term living arrangement is obvious.
I agree on both points.
I love Harry and Meghan but would be fine with monarchy being abolished.
And yes I see your point about what people getting upset about does change whether it’s a tour or no.
I’m just referring to some pro-monarchists (nobody here, just some on twitter etc) who are fine with funding tours (and would frankly be fine with funding the likes of Will and Kate spending more time in Canada) but not this because they’re essentially mad about the idea of having to pay tax for a biracial duchess.
I do think it’s fair to fund their tours and not them living here. As I said above, we invite them here on tours. Because we invite them, we pay. Plenty of people think we shouldn’t invite them at all, but at least for now we do. Them deciding to live here part time is very clearly a different scenario.
LNG- see my comment above.
yeah, there’s a big difference. It’s strange you can’t see that. There is nothing you’re ok with paying on a temporary or part-time basis you wouldn’t want to pay for on a full-time, permanent basis?
No, because the idea that funding tours is okay is only acceptable if you are okay with said tours enforcing and emphasizing the Queen as Monarch of Canada, and her successor to come.
You either want the monarchy or you don’t.
Didn’t realize they are invited on official tours. My bad!
I knew this was going to be a very educational post! Lol
It is very easy to immigrate to Canada if you have money I beleive. I had a neighbour and all she had to do was invest 750k into a Canadian business. She would complain how expensive it was to get into Canada. I reckon the Sussexes have that kind of money 🙂 Canada is desperate for immigrants as we are badly underpopulated and have an aging population. And the govt wants educated immigrants who are of childbearing age who plan to raise children. They tick all those boxes.
It’s easier if you have money AND an education. If you have neither it’s much more difficult. The people they send back every day will tell you it’s not a free for all.
Canada does want more immigrants but they want the middle of Canada filled. BC and Ontario are overpopulated. The problem is most want to live in Toronto and Vancouver and not Saskatoon.
Whoo-hoo! First mention of Saskatoon on this site ever. They should come live here! It’s a balmy -49 C (with the wind chill) today!
@CanadianK
Haha well I’m glad at least one person read my comment ! I’m so sorry about your weather !
CanadianK, my cousin is a mailman in Saskatoon, and he was working today! One of my sisters also recently moved to ToonTown when she got a new job with Saskatoon Police Services.
But we’re originally from Yellowknife…we’re used to the weather!
Harry doesn’t tick the educated box. Without the title and the family money he wouldn’t stand a chance of getting in.
Meghan has a degree from Northwestern University, one of the most prestigious universities in the world. Does that tick off the ‘educated’ box?
He’s no Einstein but he took officer training and became a second lieutenant in the Blues and Royals and Army Air Corps, then served twice in Afghanistan. He then went on to develop the Invictus Games, and works with several other organisations including the HALO Trust, the London Marathon Charitable Trust, and Walking With The Wounded. So he’s no doofus fit only for flipping burgers at MacDonalds.
unless you have a disability or a loved one with a disability. Canada is not progressive when it comes to disability rights.
Immigration anywhere is easier if you have money. Often, a pledge to invest a certain amount of money in a country through a business venture puts you in a different immigration category.
Harper set this up so that rich people could get a PR card if they invested a certain amount of money into the country.
The UK RF, media and other institutions drove them out so they should pay.
I am also going to guess that this isn’t even a talking point for the govt given the history with Diana and Archie’s status as a minor but the UK media want to make it a talking point to whip up hate and make it difficult to seek sanctuary in Canada.
It’s basic common sense that they’re very high profile targets and by virtue should be protected. Nigel Farage has 24 hr tax payer funded security and he is not even an elected member of parliament.
Exactly.
Public policy decisions aren’t just about technicalities, they represent the public interest. It’s a worthy cause to keep them safe, not only because they are still tilted royals with an official government connection to Canada, but also because of how this will reflect on Canada abroad. I’m pretty sure Trudeau wants to foot the bill for those reasons, though it certainly won’t be a 100% popular decision. PR wise, it’s better for the Sussexes to reject any public money, but I don’t think they will. Private security is never as good, it’s also not automatically connected to external law enforcement for such purposes as threat investigation across jurisdictions.
If Trudeau has any political instincts he should know that spending millions of taxpayer funds to pay for the security of now-minor royals will blow back in his face – there is a growing anti-Monarchist sentiment here and putting us on the hook semi-permanently for their security costs will only increase that sentiment.
@originallala – this. And Trudeau needs Quebec, and the francophone majority there will lose it if Canada is seen funding an institution that they largely view as their oppressor (I say this as a former Montrealer with first hand experience). Remember when the Cambridge’s came to Canada they went to Quebec and there were protesters holding signs held up saying “parasites go home”. There is minimal affection and I would venture to say way more outright hostility to the monarchy in Quebec and this is something the government will need to consider. The dynamic is very complicated and always has been. This is in contrast to somewhere like Toronto which historically had a majority British origin population (now it is a very multicultural city) or somewhere like Victoria which still has a significant population whose family trees would go back to England and hence more affection for the BRF.
Everyone talks about the security costs to tax payers, but it is interesting that there is so little talk about the other side of the balance sheet. What would Harry and Meghan’s presence mean to the Canadian economy? Additional American and other non-UK money flowed into the UK charities Meghan and Harry were associated with. How much easier is it for American money to flow north to Canada charities? There has been article after article about Meghan’s impact on brands including the Canadian fashion she made a point of wearing as a member of the Royal family. The places they visit get international news for potential tourism. Maybe it all wouldn’t equal the cost of security, but that seems doubtful to me. I would at least like a journalist to speak with an economist to discuss it.
The royals are nothing but a drain on the UK economy, and that’s with them actually working and doing public events that draw in some tourists.
It’s certainly not going to be any different in Canada.
Why are people assuming M & H are going to do charity work here in Canada? It seems they want to be “part-time” Royals in the U.K. and want to be private citizens while in Canada. I highly doubt they will have a public profile in Canada. It doesn’t make sense as they have stated they wanted to step away from that. I think they will be living in Vancouver but working in LA/America. I could be wrong,
Because if they want to launch their foundation the many of us expect, its not going to be a part-time endeavor. I don’t know if they will continue to do royal-esque charity work in Canada, but I definitely don’t think they are going to go completely quiet and out of the spotlight when they are there.
Charities don’t fuel an economy. Heck! They’re a way to reduce the amount of taxes a rich person would give to the government! Wasn’t the BRF implicated in the Panama papers too?
I’m ok with them coming as private, tax-paying citizens, but let’s not pretend that Canada will gain much from it.
It’s not great that this is even a discussion. Harry has at least a decade of security costs (at their current level) in the bank. More like two decades if his inheritances were invested well. They can pay for whatever they need themselves.
Canada shouldn’t pay a cent, and UK taxpayers shouldn’t be on the hook when they’re living and working for themselves in a different country. At most they should get whatever minor royals like the Kent’s get when they’re back in the UK.
I am not Canadian so it doesn’t matter but I agree with everything you stated. I get mad just thinking about what the U.S spends on Trump going on his golf trips every weekend.
This American is glad she doesn’t have to pay for them. This gets to the heart of why so many people in the UK get annoyed by the Royal Family. Why should they have the fund the lifestyle of these very rich people who don’t actually do anything other than uphold fusty old traditions and cut ribbons? I get the value from a tourism perspective but other than that, it seems like a huge waste of taxpayer money. (And yes, I get that they do a lot to promote various charities, but it would be interesting to see a cost-benefit analysis of how much taxpayers spend on them versus how much money their charities bring in as a direct result of their involvement.)
Most people welcome them but expect them to cover their own security costs. There’s more pressing issues than the Royals in Canada right now.
Trudeau has a minority government and covering the security costs will hurt him everywhere but most especially in Quebec where the RF isn’t popular at all.
Many Commonwealth countries such as Canada may want to ditch the Royals after the Queen’s passing so it’s something they should think about carefully as it would only fire up the republican movement.
I’m Canadian and I don’t care if my tax dollars go toward their security. Maybe I’m not losing sleep over this NON-ISSUE because, 1) my Prime Minister has clearly stated that nothing has been discussed and no promises have been made and 2) I don’t pay much attention to racist trolls.
The people who hounded this family out of the UK aren’t satisfied. Racism is clearly a mental illness that has driven a lot of people stark raving mad.
Refusing to pay security costs for a multimillionaire couple isn’t racist. People wouldn’t want to pay for the Cambridges either if they decided to move to Banff or Halifax.
Nice try, but there wouldn’t be this kind of bullshit if the Cambridges planned on doing ANYTHING. There never has been.
And refusing to pay a bill for a bi-racial family that hasn’t even been DISCUSSED reeks of the same kind of racism that brought this family to Canada in the first place.
There absolutely 100% would be the same conversation if the Cambridges decided to move to Canada. There were protests in Quebec the last time they were here. Saying that Canadians not wanting to pay M&H’s security bill is racist is a major stretch.
And it is an issue. Trudeau is clearly projecting that this is a discussion that needs to be had. M&H projected it on their website when they discussed being “internationally protected persons”. If M&H turn around and say “nah we’re good, don’t need any money” that’s great, but anticipating that this will become an issue is perfectly reasonable. It seems pretty clear to me that one of the “complex issues” that they are trying to figure out is how to fund their security. Based on what they wrote on their website, I think M&H probably want the Brits to pay for the near future at least.
Nice…@kerwood and yeah, our Prime Minster has indicated nothing has even been discussed so once again this is just about raising ire AGAINST this family….everyone is jumping the gun and I believe we can achieve a happy balance between their safety, our costs and our legal responsibilities and liability.
How is discussing the possibility of Canadian taxpayers covering the Sussexes’ security costs racist? That is an absolutely absurd stretch.
Canadian as well and I’m not that concerned about it. I imagine it will end up being some combination of Britain and canada paying for it. Also don’t understand people going on about them applying for citizenship like “anyone else!!!!” You can spend a lot of time here without having to be a citizen. Nobody ever said they would be here 365 days a year.
Lots of concern trolling going on about something that hasn’t been decided in any way yet, especially from a lot of non citizens.
How do you actually know they are non citizens and why is expressing concern and then highlighting the very real difficulties Canadians face is somehow trolling? I am Canadian born and raised. First generation bi racial and female. You want me to authenticate myself, I gladly will. These are two rich immigrants wanting to chill here. Fine, let’s not act like somehow they are a big get for Canada. They aren’t. Period. Will they actually help out Canadian organizations that are fighting to keep BC beautiful for basic human rights and for housing? That has yet to be seen. All some of us are saying is we don’t want to pay. We shouldn’t have to pay for rich folk. Period. We don’t need to chill, we don’t need to obsess and we don’t need to attack. Geez, this site is usually so good with discussion but these post bring out some intense feelings on both sides.
I am attacking hypocrites who are getting riled up about an issue that hasn’t even happened yet. There is already a system set up for rich people to buy a PR card by PM Harper so bitching about Harry and Meghan on that issue is already showing ignorance of the canadian immigration system. Where have all the comments been made about the other rich people who have taken advantage of this and skipped over the poorer immigrants? Silence. But suddenly Harry and Meghan possibly getting a PR card and everyone is up in arms. This is like the tea party bs. Pretending they have issues about the “rich” but only saying something when the biracial duchess may be able to take advantage of an existing program.
And we have literally no idea if the government is covering security. Again people concern trolling about something that hasn’t happened at this point.
I’ve been paying a lot of taxes to the federal and provincial government for years now so I’m prepared to protest real issues and not this nonsense.
I agree people are getting riled up over something rather insignificant, this however a celebrity gossip site so it’s the place to have discussions about celebrities and get riled up in a kindly fashion(ideally). I too pay provincial and federal taxes, I do protest and support those working to make our country and the province I am from better. I volunteer in the area in which I have experience and am passionate about( protection and support for youth in foster care and alum of said system) so like you I am concerned about real tangible issues. This however is celebrity gossip ideally no one should be attacked. Not you ,not me or any other poster. Like I said these posts bring out some of the worst in the normally kind and insightful posters and readers on this site. I am gonna take a time out from all things related to these two on here because yiiikkkeess.
I agree. I am Canadian, and I am fine with them moving here and don’t give two sh*ts about security costs. People only question things they are told to question. So many ridiculous expenses get paid and this is the one that is now important. Nope. No emergency here. Making a big deal about a small issue seems to be what the media is about these days.
I noticed The Mirror this morning saying that aides are working out an “exit package.” I imagine the exit package will come from Cornwall. I think Charles will pay his taxes on his £35 million Harry has in the UK this one time and Corbwallwill either reimburse taxpayers regarding security or he will pay for their private security for the rest of Harry’s life. Meghan may have to give up her HRH, Archie might be removed from the line of succession or Harry and Archie will be pushed further down the line of succession. Any events done for the queen will be paid for by taxpayers.
I also read an article in The Times that I agree with. I’ve begun to think that I think Harry and Meghan were forced into the big wedding. I also noticed a change in Harry after he did the Diana documentary in 2017. I think he realized he’s almost as old as his mother when she died (he’ll be 36 this year). I think Charles has had to bribe Harry to keep him in the family these past few years. I think this may have played a part in the rifts with William.
The only way Harry and Archie are pushed down is Kate having more kids. And I’m sure that will go down well with her husband’s comments on Africans should be having less kids and families benefits being reduced for 3 or more kids in the UK.
You can’t just “swap” people in the line of succession. At the moment, Harry and Archie are 6th and 7th and they’ll only move if Kate has more kids and/or in 25 odd years or so when George starts having kids (if he has them)
And may I ask the morbid facisnation in making Meghan lose her titles? And before any of you starting saying “Wallis!”. There’s a difference. Divorce attitudes at the time were very different to what they are now, Edward was actually King and Wallis was never giving HRH in the first place. Meghan has
If they want to take that away while the royal pedophile gets to keep his, then I’ll happily be fully committed to the republican movements and questioning why Andrew gets to keep his titles and not Meghan
HRH is a legal status in the UK. Not being a born royal may mean that if she wants to go back into acting, the BRF may ask her to relinquish her title or she may just give it back.
And how do you know if she wants to get back into acting? Are you psychic? If so please predict the lotto numbers for me!
And from what I can tell, I don’t think acting was something she’s super passionate about like she was with her philanthropy. I think it helped her pay the bills, put food on her table and clothes on her back while doing charity work
And you can’t just hand titles back. There has to be a letters patent and it can’t just be person specific. They have to set general rules for it. And Harry would have to give his up too.
Once again, if they have to give their titles up so does the royal pedophile
she said “if” she wants to go back into acting. sheesh
I have a fun fact for you Sofia: Until the silver screen age, acting in the UK was considered one of the basest occupations and actors were looked down upon. If the royal family clings to the past they may see Meghan’s occupation in acting as an embarrassment.
Canadian here and we’re assuming there are no benefits to sheltering this family as we usually do when it comes to immigration policy. Immigrants have made this country the envy of the rest of the world and many “natural born” Canadians, particularly in rural areas, resent it. They want to be made to feel like they’ve rescued us somehow and while they have, immigrants are not the continual and generational drain on the system that this narrative is pushing. The criticisms of the Sussex situation are BS because these two are the tip of an iceberg of progressive, well educated expats from all over the world who are choosing to be Canadian just as I did. And make no mistake, there’d be a bidding war if this couple put their citizenship up for sale so Canadians who are acting snooty about their choice to be here should take the stick out.
no one is saying they can’t live here, just that our taxes should not fund them. It has nothing to do with citizenship or immigration as they can stay here 6 months at a time without issue.
Expats! I hate that word. It’s a word created by western, white, educated people who doesn’t want to be called immigrants because they look down to immigrants. This word Is pure racism. You are not an expat, you are an immigrant. And that is not a shame! Expat is a word which comes from the British colonial time, it describes only western white people, even if they live 10 years in another country. Immigrants is for poc or the poor. There are many articles written about that racist word used only by white people.
@sparkler Natural born, rural Canadians dont like immigrants. Interesting how a comment section about funding royals has turned into judging rural people.
While I am happy to welcome them to Canada and understand why they want to leave the toxic situation that they have been living in, they need to tread carefully. A recent study has come out showing that 1 in 5 Canadian children are living in poverty. There are indigenous communities who don’t have clean water and that have severe housing issues. I don’t want a penny of my tax dollars being spent on their security while they are living here. They are extremely wealthy even without the Royal funds that they are given. Their security costs are astronomical and will increase, especially if they are travelling back and forth regularly. Neither are Canadian citizens. They need to pay for their own security or have Charles pay the tab. If they do decide to move to the US eventually, Canadians will have spent millions and millions of dollars on their “transition”, only to have them leave.
@Gisele, and I’m sure you’ve been on the phone to your member of parliament protesting the conditions that indigenous Canadians endure.
Are you really going to sink so low as to use the plight of REAL Canadians who are REALLY suffering to strike out simply because Prince Harry DARED to marry a Black woman? Is there no shame left at all?
@kerwood
Stop gaslighting people who have a different opinion from you and as a black woman, I find it rather offensive that you are using racism as a weapon to slam posters with contrary opinions.
It’s not gaslighting to point out hypocrisy. Yes there are poor people in Canada and yes the way indigenous people in Canada have been treated has been horrible for years. But no Harry and Meghan moving here is not going to impact what has been done to address those issues. Unless you have been consistently advocating for these issues for years and supported the groups that are working on solutions, it’s utter garbage to suddenly be concerned about the poor and the indigenous people simply because two people you don’t like are moving to Canada.
WTF? You need to get a grip you ridiculous troll. As a matter of fact, my MP is a prominent indigenous activist and I CAMPAIGNED FOR HER and I’ve worked as in Early Intervention Specialist with indigenous children who have special needs, for almost 20 years. What exactly are you doing for the indigenous community and who exactly are you protesting for? Harry and Meghan? Posting fake outrage on gossip sites seems to be about it. You’re accusing everyone of being fake Canadians, when you yourself are obviously not Canadian. There is nothing racist about not wanting to pay for the security of people worth 40 million dollars. If any other member of the Royal Family decided to move to Canada, they’d receive the same reaction. Like I said, I in 5 Canadian children is living in poverty and that statistic deserves financial priority over the security of Royals who choose to move to Canada.
#Nic919 Hypocrisy? I happen to have worked with in the indigenous community and with children in that community for a long time and have seem the issues first hand, but even if I hadn’t it wouldn’t be hypocritical to think that taxpayer money has better places to go. Take your pick. Veterans affairs, healthcare, infrastructure, affordable food availability for people in far northern communities, education, etc. Which one is allowed to be more important than the Sussexes security without it being some racist plot? Since you’re determined that anyone who thinks they should pay their own way is a racist hypocrite, I’m going to guess none of these issues would qualify in your book. No one has to have been pounding the sidewalks with protest signs to be allowed to voice t heir concerns about paying for the security cost of rich people. I like both Harry and Meghan, despite my dislike for the Royal Family in general and think that it’s great for them to strike out on their own path. Just not on the taxpayer dime.
Well said Gisele. I am baffled by the argument that not wanting to pay security for the Sussexes is racist or that the sentiment in Canada would be different if any other member of the royal family wanted to move here.
@Gisele,
I just want to take a moment and thank you for the work you do. That is all😊
Yes, me too. And stand your ground, Gisele!
Sorry for my rant, but geez. Apparently according the these authorities on who is Canadian and who isn’t, unless someone has lit themselves on fire in a public square to protest something, they are a hypocrite, racist and aren’t allowed to think it’s a more important issue than paying for rich people to live abroad. I’m so privileged to do the work that I do and so grateful for the children and families that I’ve worked with over the years.
The question that is asked on the thread is whether Canada should pay for the Sussexes’ private security. Yet those of who answer honestly are called “fake, racist, and hypocrites”. Don’t we have the right to answer the question?
Question for Canadians: Do you all have ‘anchor babies’? Because we have never seen Archie’s birth certificate, so who’s to say he wasn’t born in Canada? If he was, would Harry and Meghan have more rights in Canada than just your average immigrant couple?
What the actual fuck?
We have seen his birth certificate. We know what hospital he was born at (A London one at that)
And don’t say “I didn’t know it was public”. You could have easily googled “Archie’s birth certificate” and you would get dozens of links to it
Also, anyone who knows how citizenship works knows that being the relative (or spouse) of a Canadian citizen doesn’t fast-track your application anyway
But we did see Archie’s birth certificate so this whole comment is just… bizzare let’s say.
Google is your friend, bet you believe the doll baby story too.
If you though that was funny, ha, ha.
omg. No. He was not born in Canada. What the eff is this.
Archie was born in England. With that said “Anchor babies” are a big business in Canada. We have many immigrants come from mostly China I believe, have a baby and then go back to China. They want their children to go to Canadian universities and not have to pay international student fees. They also want it easier to immigrate once the child is old enough to sponsor it’s family. Doctors in Canada get paid directly by the parents so many are very eager to help people who want Anchor babies. I just recently saw a news story about this. Some end up having difficult deliveries, can’t pay the $10 000 a day fee for a premature baby. What they sometimes do is once they get the babie’s passport and the baby is ready to leave the hospital, they leave with the baby and don’t pay the bill. There are law makers trying to make “Anchor babies” illegal and therefore not allow automatic citizenship if your baby is born in Canada and you are from another country.
Oh dear God(dess) – of course we have anchor babies, and how on earth did you come to the baseless suspicion that Archie was born here?
Since neither of then is a Canadian citizen, it does seem a bit unfair that they may have just decided to settle in Canadian. As M is still a US citizen it would seem more appropriate that they decide to move here.
It’s not your choice, manage your life and where you live.
the wealthy have so many opportunities the rest of will never have, including immigration. It IS unfair.
Would you want to move the US right now? The country is on the verge of war, the Orange Menace will probably get in for another term in the White House, and practically every American carries a gun.
Not Canadian but I completely understand the reluctance to pay.
IMO, the “regular” security that H&M get aka the bodyguards when they go to the store etc etc should come out of their own pocket. Same with engagements that they do for charities
If they do any work for the Crown, it should come from the Sovereign Grant because they are working for the Crown.
I am an American but I wouldn’t want to pay for their security! Tax dollars help pay for the royal family in England, but they bring in tourism. If the Sussexes are not living as working royals in Canada, I assume they won’t bring in any tourist. In fact, I imagine they are moving to Canada to avoid being harassed by anyone. So why should Canadians have to pay anything for them?
Why should they have to, it’s Meghan and Harry’s decision to go live there not the Canadian taxpayers. The English taxpayer shouldn’t be burdened with it either when they’ll be doing little to no work over there. They should pay for it themselves. This was their decision something like this is the consequence of it.
Didn’t you say Harry has an inheritance of 40+ MILLION DOLLARS?! I think they can afford their own security if need be. AMD if that IS the case NOONE should help them out that way. Oh hell no.
In the end I think it’s good that taxpayers do not get to say who gets security from the state and who doesn’t. I know my taxes pay for the security of a lot of people I can’t stand and feel like they did it to themselves to need security. It’s better for state security services to impartially assess threat levels and what needs to be done and who needs to do it. I wouldn’t want people to end up dead after the people had a say in their security.
Umm no. If they are living in Canada as private citizens then why should tax payers pay for their security? That is unfair to us. NOPE !
They are not even citizens!
@ Maria
I know.
They are going to need security, and its going to need to be more than just basic bodyguards, which seems to be what people mean when they say “they can pay for it themselves.”
That doesn’t mean that I think Canada should pay for it, but they are going to need a high level of security (I mean, remember the envelopes with white powder?) and I feel like the UK is going to pick up the tab – either through the government and the “normal” royal protection or Charles will pay for it directly (or the queen! she has enough money!).
This whole conversation is gobsmacking to me. The UK gutter press put a target on Meghan’s head and now wants to make sure she is as vulnerable as possible to the very real consequences. While working on Suits, Meghan likely paid more in Canadian tax than most people stomping their feet about a fraction of a cent of their own tax dollars going towards their protection. Beyond that, they will most definitely contribute significantly to the Canadian economy – by setting up business entities that employ people and pay tax, by choosing Canada as a site for the Invictus Games, by highlighting the country from a tourism standpoint, by increasing international donations to entities that help Canadians in need, and more. People are being ridiculous about this.
@Mich, once more and louder, for the FAKE Canadians in the back.
I believe this whole non-issue is being kicked up purposely by the UK gutter press to make her an international pariah. Their cruelty knows no ends.
What are you talking about? Fake Canadians in the back? Please explain this statement as I’d love to hear your explanation.
Just because someone doesn’t agree with you doesn’t make them “fake”. Canadians are allowed to feel differently than you and can express that. Stop gaslighting people
Me thinks you are the fake Cdn. You are only interested in promoting the racism card when no one in Canada cares about the fact that Meghan is biracial. We are not the UK. People seem to only be concerned about the cost implications of their security detail which is a legitimate concern.
All the fake, racist, hypocritical Canadians at the back! Those that happen to have a different opinion than yours.
Everyone on this thread doesn’t know how to read, which means they’re fake Canadians, considering Canada has a high enough literacy rate that being this purposefully obtuse is entirely uncalled for.
We don’t KNOW whether the Canadian government will be expected to foot the bill for security, and yet all of you are acting like it’s a done deal, signed and sealed by Trudeau himself, handing over the keys of the treasury to the Sussexes to pillage at will, while the rest of us have to starve. It’s so funny how many people suddenly care about things like the immigration process, boil water advisories, the indigenous population having to live in poverty, the homeless, the veterans, the environmental degradation because of tourism, the opioid crisis etc etc etc, because these two might choose to live here. I haven’t seen this much fervour for ANY of these issues and 2019 was an election year, lmao!
Where were all of you when the RCMP was being used to shoot at indigenous protestors in Wet’suwet’en? When CSIS is compiling lists of activists for “monitoring”? The travesty of justice that was Colton Boushie’s cold blooded killing? When the police in Toronto are still continuing the policy of carding minorities for no reason other than them being minorities? When provincial governments are trying their hardest to close down opioid clinics?
All of the above was done on YOUR taxpayer money. But somehow, there’s nowhere near the same amount of outrage for any of those things on a good day. But god forbid the PROSPECT of Meghan and Harry MAYBE having to use public funding for security, even though absolutely nothing is confirmed. The mere NOTION of that gets all of you riled up, while all of the rest of the absolutely egregious behaviour that our taxes goes to fund is just never discussed or even thought about. Funny how that works.
Thank you Mich – a voice of reason in a cacophony of righteous indignation.
Woot-Woot Mich!!!!!!!!
@ A – Sockpuppet alert! Your overuse of ALL CAPS gave it away, Kerwood.
What the fuck is going on here? We’re not talking about REFUGEES. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex haven’t washed up on the shores of Vancouver Island, wearing nothing but the clothes on their backs, begging Canada to take them in. They’re living in luxury accommodations in one of the most expensive and exclusive place ON EARTH.
Can ANYBODY tell me if there’s been ANY request from the Sussexes or from the British royal family for the Canadian people to pay for housing or protecting the Sussex family? Has there been a hint that they plan on ‘jumping the queue’ immigration wise? Or is this all racist hysteria whipped up by sick and sad people who plan to hound these people WHEREVER they go?
I hope that Canadians are better than this. I KNOW that we are. There’s no doubt in my mind that the majority of people who claim to be tax paying Canadians are the same people who claimed to be British taxpayers and probably couldn’t find Toronto on a map.
I am actually confused about the reference to refugees? Would they somehow be less worthy of intervention if they had… washed up on the shores of Vancouver Island, wearing nothing but the clothes on their backs, begging Canada to take them in?
Kerwood, there are so many handles I don’t recognize. A few I do, but most I don’t. This thread is crazy … Celebitchy are most of these commentors regulars? Is there a way to tell? Honestly, I live in Ottawa, the Nations capital. I was out today … NO ONE and I mean NO ONE brought this up. It is not that big a deal. FAKE NEWS YALL!!! Fake news.
@Pineapple, there are a lot of new faces here. Everyone is new at the beginning but there DOES seem to be a new ‘tone’.
@Kerwood
So refugees should be treated poorly simply because they are refugees?hmmmmmm
I think Canada would be smart to welcome them and help pay for security. I think this could end up being a huge boon for the country. Tourism may skyrocket.
Good on Canada for getting some well deserved attention.
Charles should pay for their security. This is a made up issue by the Brits because that is their excuse to abuse the RF…taxpayer money. Yet not one single cent comes directly from them. In the words of William…I’m bored
This is where the Sussexes lose the plot, IMO. I’m SO happy they are giving the RF the finger and getting the F out of that toxic family. But they shouldn’t expect Canadians to pay for their security if they’re choosing to live there.
You clearly have some information that I don’t have. I would be so appreciative if you could provide the link to the article that CLEARLY STATES that the Canadian government intends to pay for the Sussexes’ security. Thank ever so much.
PLEASE provide the link to the article that CLEARLY STATES that the Canadian government does NOT intend to pay for the Sussexes’ security. Thanks ever so much.
Are all Meghan stans nuts?
Hey @Courtney,
Here you go:
“Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says there are still a lot of discussions to be had about who will cover security costs while Prince Harry and his wife Meghan Markle are living in Canada.
He indicated that the federal government has not been involved “up until this point” about what having Harry, Meghan and their son Archie, in Canada will look like.”
“There are still a lot of decisions to be taken by the Royal Family, by the Sussexes themselves as to what level of engagement they choose to have,” Trudeau said. “We are obviously supportive of their reflections but have responsibilities in that as well.”
“We’re not entirely sure what the final decisions will be.”
The Prime Minister of Canada says that the Canadian government is not involved in any talks about paying for security for the Sussex family. That’s pretty clear, no? Or should he throw them out of the country to please the many, mostly non-Canadians who can’t stop howling over the mere existence of this small family?
*Thanks @Jaded!
“we haven’t talked about it yet” does not mean “no, we won’t be spending a cent” One of your quotes says “we’re not entirely sure what the final decisions will be” Do you honestly think that’s a definitive denial?
Currently, it seems Canada is paying, or at least, contributing, to their security. That’s what’s reported in the New York Times:
“Currently, Canada covers the cost of the security provided to the couple by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police because Harry and Meghan’s official status in Britain makes them “internationally protected persons” under Canadian law. Kent Roach, a professor of law at the University of Toronto, said that after withdrawing from official life, Meghan and Harry would lose that status.”
They don’t “expect” Canada to foot the bill. They have stated quite succinctly that they don’t expect to have a host country pay their bills unless they are in said country on royal business. Now will everybody please calm the f*ck down.
I am Canadian and I definitely have an issue with paying for their security costs. I have no issue with them residing and “working” here but they made that decision themselves to be “financially independent”. I think they should foot their own bill for security.
Funny how a lot of people who defend the Sussexes are not commenting on this article. IDK if at the end Canadians would pay for Meghan & Harry but if they do, believe me the Conservatives would have a field day attacking the Liberals & maybe even the NDP would be against this. I’m not Canadian, but I lived there for a while & at least in Toronto, people didn’t care for the monarchy. My friends who still live in Canada are livid at the idea of their taxes going to the monarchy. If Harry & Meghan want to be independent so be it, they deserve not to have a toxic family & the racist media against them, but you cannot have your cake & eat it too, you cannot ask to be a private citizen & then ask other country to pay for your bills. If someone did a referendum about this I promise you by a landslide people would vote against their taxes going to help the Sussexes
I second this. Well said, Pamela!
I believe that the majority of Canadians don’t want our tax dollars going towards paying their security (as per the latest poll published), but as far as the Federal Conservatives go, they have traditionally been Monarchists, so a push back from them would be surprising. Not so from the NDP, though, for sure. And Ontario has historially been pro-Monarchy since the inception of Upper Canada. As well as British Columbia.
+1 Pamela!
The Conservatives won’t do jack sh-t unless they can use this against Justin Trudeau. The support base for the Conservatives, by and large, tend to also support the monarchy, because they’re *conservatives*. People who support Trudeau and vote Liberal or NDP won’t switch parties to the Conservatives because of this either. It’s so telling just how many people flat out don’t understand how Canadian politics or its political landscape works, my goodness. Clearly you didn’t pay a lot of attention when you were living here.
I’m Canadian and here’s my opinion:
I respect the attention that Royals can bring to various issues, and think Harry and Meghan would do a world of good showcasing various non-profits in Canada, similar to what they’ve done in Britain. If that’s what they chose to do while living here, then I could see funding their security costs.
If they intend to pursue creating their own foundation, and profit from/earn income from it though, then I think they should pay their own way.
There are many important social issues that need addressing before their security concerns, and they can certainly afford to foot the bill.
As a taxpaying Canadian I say hell to the no! Trudeau opened his big mouth out of the gate when this all broke last week. He shouldn’t of. He has a habit of doing so, speaking without thinking. Canadians are pissed off with the prospect of covering the security costs for the Sussexs. Some estimations are 1.5 to 5 million. I mean what? Not one person I’ve spoken to about this supports Canada paying for their security.
I like M&H and think they can do some good things in the world. But Canada has no business paying for this, we didn’t ask for this.
Trudeau did not open his big mouth out of the gate. This is what he said:
“Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says there are still a lot of discussions to be had about who will cover security costs while Prince Harry and his wife Meghan Markle are living in Canada.
He indicated that the federal government has not been involved “up until this point” about what having Harry, Meghan and their son Archie, in Canada will look like.”
“There are still a lot of decisions to be taken by the Royal Family, by the Sussexes themselves as to what level of engagement they choose to have,” Trudeau said. “We are obviously supportive of their reflections but have responsibilities in that as well.”
“We’re not entirely sure what the final decisions will be.”
Trudeau is dealing with an international crisis with Iran after almost 60 Canadian-Iranians were shot out of the sky. Canada does not have any diplomatic status with Iran so it is extraordinarily difficult to get representatives of the Canadian government on the ground in Iran to do our own investigation and gain some reparation for the families of those killed. This issue is a drop in the ocean of more important things for the PM so calm down and stop bull-shitting about an issue you apparently know nothing about.l
@Jaded, thank you for posting the PMs words. It’s funny that all these brand-new Canadians that just sprung up seem to get their information about Canada from the British tabloids.
I’d be pissed if the Prime Minister WAS spending his time working on Harry and Meghan’s security because Canada has more pressing issues. As I’ve mentioned several times, 57 Canadians were murdered a week ago. Is it because they were Iranian Canadians that people here are willing to brush them aside to howl about the non-issue of Harry and Meghan’s security?
I have no doubt that Queen, Prince Charles and the British government will make sure that Harry, Meghan and Archie are well protected. There’s no way that the grandson of the current monarch, the son of the future monarch and the brother of the second in line is going to be wandering the world on his own, even if that’s what the mob wants.
It fascinating to watch the attempts to whip this non-issue up into a feeding frenzy. To hear some of the people here talk, Canadians are ready to march on Parliament Hill. The reality is that most Canadians don’t give a fuck. We’re living our lives and what happens to a family of multi-millionaires just isn’t that important. Canadians, REAL CANADIANS, have bigger fish to fry.
I’m going to assume that you’re an Ottawa Senators fan, and I don’t want to hear about people having to eat the cost for anything from a Senators fan when the owner of your hockey team is still throwing a hissy fit about the stadium. Hold your local rich assholes accountable first.
Canadian here … I am delighted that they will be/might be spending time in Canada using it as a home base. They will do amazing things and it will benefit us greatly. I don’t mind us kicking in for security along with the BRF and UK gov’t (or whoever currently pays for their security. Harry has done military service and general service to the country through his duties to the BRF – they owe it to him to protect him. I listened to an interview with Emily Thornbury (Labour MP) and she believes that since the UK provides security for retired ministers, they should provide it to Harry for his service to the country – I agree. I think the British public (the negative side anyhow) are just being spiteful and petty.
So just a thread ago everyone was like Harry and Meghan are the best, they should totally move to Canada they deserve some peace and quiet. And now I guess everyone just realised its more complicated than that. Its not only security, the titles are also big problem. Because when you are royal, you represent the brits even when you are not working. I mean its actually super complicated and I am sure that’s why H and M wanted to sort things first. I am sure they will find a way eventually, because they don’t want any more drama in Canada as well. But my guess is the RF will pay for their security in the beginning, but will strip them from their titles.
Why would they lose their titles? Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie still have titles, even after they got “regular” jobs. Prince and Princess Michael of Kent still have titles, even though they are not working royals, and make money off of book sales, etc. Prince Andrew still has his title even though he’s used it to grift with child rapists. And Prince Philip is still considered a “Prince” of Greece for some reason (even though he doesn’t live in Greece and Greece no longer has a monarchy). So why would Harry and Meghan lose *their* titles?
Prince Phillip had to renounce his Greek citizenship/title which is why he ended up with the last name Mountbatten. It was orchestrated well before his engagement to then Princess Elizabeth.
All of the other royals that you mentioned aren’t considered senior royals as that designation has been for The Queen, The Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Charles and both his sons and their families. Even with their announcement to step back as senior royals,
I don’t think that the Harry or Meghan will lose their titles. I also think the definition of “stepping back” is unclear right now. I do think that there will be enormous limitations on how/if they can use their titles for personal financial gain. I think that issue will be a difficult one to navigate because by its nature their status is there regardless of whether they want it especially since they appear to want to keep the titles.
As to Pedo, I am glad he was fired. I do think he should be stripped of his titles although I don’t know if you can strip him of some of them because he was born a prince. I very much think he shouldn’t be allowed to partake in any public events. After The Queen passes, I think Prince Charles will sort of exile him in some way. Ideally, he would get convicted criminally for his crimes but I don’t think that will happen to him or any of the powerful men or Ghislaine.
This sounds to me like the British racist media trying to create false outrage. They are going to lose their cash cow so they say anything they can to spread hate. I feel sorry for their children because they will eventually have access to all this racist media stuff about their mother. Why do the British hate so much because of race?
Rich people don’t touch their own money. They will get security provided by Canada and you guys will eat it. Vancouver is 2 hours from LA. You know Megs will be in LA as much as possible so then my country will have to eat those costs for security.
Global parasites.
This is a little interesting. It seems there are some who think their popularity and kindness entitle them to living anywhere they want on that country’s expense. I personally believe that Harry and Meghan are kind people who will impact the world. And are global superstars. But how does that make them entitled to taxpayer money for their security use? I think Angelina Jolie is someone who cultivates great change. And she is a massive celebrity…should countries be funding her too? The big answer is NO. You can acknowledge the value and popularity of the Sussex’s without saying that they need to be given a free ride outside of the Crown. They want to be independent, that is amazing! Then be independent. If the security concerns are unique to the point that they can’t pay themselves (such as them being political targets), then make the Crown or Charles pay. It is insane to think that popularity/celebrity = public money from a fostering country.
Angelina isn’t a high value political target for terrorism. Harry and Meghan (and Archie) are. Apples and oranges.
Hard pass. Trudeau is skating on very thin ice as it is and if he tries to push for this nonsense, that ice will crack.
I don’t think he cares. It’s not like he can run for a third term anyways lol.
Why not?
@me – pray tell where did you get that gem from? Prime Ministers do not have term limits. Just because there’s a rule in the US you think it applies to us? SMDH
@ Redgrl
That was a typo on my part…I meant to say “it’s not like he can WIN a third term. He barely won the last election, has a minority government and most likely we will have an early election within 2 years. I highly doubt he will win again. No need to “Shake your damn head”…it was simply a typo.
Remember Trudeau Sr.
‘Term-limit’ huh? How CANADIAN!
@ME, he didn’t “barely win” the last election. A minority government is not “barely winning.” This is not a simple 2 party system. Justin Trudeau split the vote between 3 largely left leaning parties, who all make up a majority in the parliament against the Conservatives. That’s not “barely winning” by a long shot.
I think the transition is inevitably going to require taxpayer money early on. They’re unique celebrity figures in that they’re linked to a major political and cultural establishment, and they’re drawing a lot of attention right now because of the changes in the institution. It’s sensible that they’re going to draw a kind of security risk that most private firms simply could not handle in the beginning. In the long run, though, I would hope they’re savvy enough to tap into private resources mainly. In this era of late stage capitalism, people are all too sensitive to the reality of economic class disparity.
They are already using RCMP officers to secure the perimeters around the house Meghan is staying in right now. RCMP officers are government workers and get their salary from tax payers.
Why does that not surprise me? They are not here at the request of the Queen, nor are they here at the request of the Canadian Government. But never mind, they get their security covered.
They said “financially independent” which, to me, means that they will pay their way. They will not be dependent on anyone, not the BRF or the Canadian government.
I’m a dual citizen of Canada and the U.S., and I’m touched they like Canada so much. Canada has so much to offer the world and this puts the country on a bigger stage. While we do not need their “razzle dazzle”, being singled out as a great place to live is a complement.
On another note, maybe all the discussion about paying for their security is stemming from deeper places? Like, it’s all great and good to read gossip about a family that lives across the Atlantic Ocean because, ultimately, they’re not our problem. But, if they now live in Canada, maybe we will become so obsessed with covering them that more urgent issues are eclipsed? Or maybe for some people, their being here threatens our identity? The Queen is really just a figurehead and Canada is a separate, sovereign nation. Having royals living here may be a bit too close to home. I don’t know what it is, but having them here is a complex undertaking. I have a feeling that even if their security was paid for out of their own pockets, people would still find something to be angry about. Anyway, just putting this out there!
I think that even if the monarchy where to be abolished tomorrow, people would still be largely receptive to Meghan and Harry, if they chose to make Canada their home. It all depends on how they live and work here going forward. I think if they pay for their own stuff, they’ll be incredibly popular, and that popularity will stand the test of time. Even if Canada decides to become a republic and severs all ties with the monarchy.
So, I’m about to piss off a lot of Canadians.
I lived there for a bit, and we still have a cottage there. Canadians (yes, yes, not ALL Canadians) LOVE their reputation as friendly, welcoming, wonderful people. But it’s not so much friendly as passive aggressive. They put on a good face for guests. That’s for sure. But Canadians will talk some SHIT about you behind your back. And yes, their is just as much racism in Canada as in the US and UK, but it’s more passive aggressive and they HATE recognizing or admitting that.
So expect this outrage about the security to continue, even if it’s revealed that they’re paying for their own security, or the UK pays for it.
I’ve lived here most of my life and you’re not lying. Things have gotten worse lately. We have a lot of MAGA wanna-bes in Canada (see: Ford, Doug and a lot of the prairie provinces) and there are times when I fear for my country. This kind of bullshit is a perfect example. It seems that certain people have a vested interest in whipping up opposition to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex staying in Canada and I have to ask WHY? But I think I know the answer.
Most Canadians don’t have a problem with M & H living in Canada. They are happy about that and welcome them with open arms. The issue a lot of Canadians have is the notion that we might have to pay for their security. We have better things to spend our tax money on. We have Indigenous people who live in areas where water bans have been going on for 16 years ! Imagine having to boil your water for 16 years because your government doesn’t give a sh*t about you. Oh but M & H are coming, let’s open up our wallets ! No. Of course there is racism everywhere, in any country, including Canada. But please don’t assume the reason many Canadians are upset about this has to do with Meghan’s race. Most of us like M & H but we don’t want our money paying for their sh*t, sorry.
I agree with you for the most part. I just anticipate that after it’s announced that they’re paying for their own, as you put it, “shit,” this talking point about “mah taxes!” will continue…
Well once it is announced they are paying for their own security, etc., there is no reason for any Canadian to be upset about H & M moving to Canada. If any Canadian does complain, it’s because they are simply being jerks.
@fatladysinging, once it’s announced that they will be paying for their own security, the mob will find something else. They won’t be satisfied until Meghan disappears forever.
@kerwood — You speak the truth!
It’s so funny how many people are suddenly so concerned about indigenous communities having to live under boil water advisories when they previously did not give a single, solitary f-ck about this at all. Worse, a lot of these same people would sneer at indigenous communities in Canada and accuse them of leeching off the taxpayers in much the same fashion as they’re doing here. I still remember all the shrieking that people did, back in 2015, when the government decided to resettle 25,000 Syrian refugees in Canada. “But what about OUR homeless?? What about our opioid crisis!!!! Charity starts at home!!!!!!!!” All from the same group of people who clutch their purse and don’t have the decency or the generosity to fork over $5 for a homeless person’s bus fare because, “Well what if they use it to get drugs?” So please, save your faux compassion.
@ A
Suddenly concerned??? Do you even know what’s going on in Canada for you to say such a thing? People have been protesting about injustice to Indigenous people for many, many years. Maybe you haven’t been paying attention. You’re just assuming things and you’re wrong. What makes you think NO ONE gave a “f*ck” before? My “faux compassion”??? Do you even know me? You need to stop your “faux compassion” for some rich ass Royals and pay attention to REAL problems going on in Canada, but I guess you’re too busy attacking people on the internet acting as if you know them personally or know if they have protested or donated money. WOW.
I’m Canadian. I tell Americans all the time we’re polite, not nice. You know, like “Minnesota Nice.” World of difference. Congratulations on figuring it out.
Allo justin de France here
We must all pay for national treasure. She has no money no help no people no nothing
Archie not feeding.
She is staying at womens shelter
Harry stay outside? I dont know
But please we all pay tax to save her from poverty and hurt please no hurt real duchess
Take titles away she is queen of our heart
I can’t imagine the costs would amount to even pennies on the dollar for Canadian tax payers.
Im not Canadian, but as an American, I too would much rather see my money go towards Meghan and Harry than the Trumps. And honestly, I think them being there is a great thing for Canada. I saw online that Black Twitter has been donating to the women’s center Meghan visited yesterday. I am sure they will bring a huge boom to the economy that more than justifies the cost.
deleted – posted in wrong place
I don’t think it’s likely they will use taxpayer money for security costs except in the interim period while they’re working out the specifics of the move. That said, the amount of money that individual taxpayers would have to contribute their security costs would probably be very small. Look at the data. In 2017, the *entire* Royal Family (which is a lot more people than just Harry, Meghan, and Archie) cost each British taxpayer 69 pence, and that’s not just security costs, that’s also property maintenance and staff payroll and other stuff. The RF’s costs have gone up in 2019 to 67 million pounds according to Forbes, costing each taxpayer (according to my rough calculations) between ninety-five pence and one pound and twenty four pence. Annually. That’s hardly a financial burden on the people. For security costs alone, for just three people, it would probably be much less. It seems very petty to get fed up over such a small amount of money. Especially when you consider that Meghan and her son are *absolutely* vulnerable to racially motivated attacks, and that attempts have already been made against Meghan. Hell, if they came to America I wouldn’t mind *one bit* if I were taxed ten extra cents each year to keep her and her little boy safe.
That’s what makes this hysteria so insane. Which is why I refuse to believe it’s about money.
A lot of people seem to be furious that the Queen didn’t throw the Sussexes out of the country wearing sackcloth and ashes. I also think a lot of people can’t bear the fact that Harry chose his family over being a member of the royal family. Those two things combined are driving some people batshit.
SOMEBODY is going to have to pay for security because the threat against the Sussexes is REAL. Let’s not forget the death threats they’ve received. Or the lunatic who wanted to cut the Duchess’ abdomen open to prove that she wasn’t pregnant. I can’t imagine what these dangerous lunatics would do to little Archie.
IF the Canadian government does decide to kick in some money to protect the Sussex family, it will probably be because Canadian lives will be at risk due to proximity. The PM wouldn’t want to be accused of having blood on his hands because a bunch of bots filled up the message boards.
The question of costs for security regarding important guests eg. royals
is not an issue. The RCMP and sometimes the OPP provided the necessary services for the Sussexes and Prince Harry in particular. They have publicly stated their towards the Sussexes ala CTV news Victoria.
All of the reputable organizations declined to comment on this premature inquiry based on insufficient information.
What is clear is that no canadian is allowed to accept titles for the monarch as per the Nickle Resolution of 1919. So the Sussexes cannot be seen as king or queen neither can they hold the position of Governor General nor Lieutenant General as the relationship between the monarchy and the country is different than that of Britain even through the Queen is Head of state in both countries.
The common response is let the Sussexes have a respite for the toxic “racist” press. All we know is that they want to continue working and fulfilling their duties.
If they want to be private citizens, they pay their way. They can afford it. Its unfair to expect the Canadian tax payers to cover the cost.
I have the probably unpopular opinion that the UK should be paying security. Or Charles personally. They are still royals, his father will be King and that comes with great benefits, but also alot of risk. They are choosing to move due to the stressful and dangerous situation they were put in because they are part of the royal family. If they arent stripping them of titles, then they are the monarchys responsibility. I dont care of it seems like they are getting their cake and eating it too. The royal family made it clear that they want them titled and they want them to be working royals, so they can pay the cost of their security. Pay out of pocket or endure the wrath of the tax payers, but either way they need to be providing this family permanent security.
Seriously Kaiser, these comments are kind of insane. I haven’t seen anything so negative over NOTHING! Nothing is decided yet. Can you guys tell if bots are out on this post? I would love to know.
Honestly! It’s not just this post but others.
People basically cackling in glee over Meghan loosing her titles (they conveniently make excuses to why Harry won’t lose his)
Yet stay silent on Andrew not only keeping his HRH but tax payer funding too
Nobody seems to care that a rapist is living off the public purse. But people are coming out of the woodwork from all over the world to have their say about how and where the Sussexes should live.
I guess being born Black is a bigger crime than raping teenage girls.
Canadian tax payer money regularly goes towards subsidies for the fossil fuel industries. Tax payer money was used to buy the pipeline that will undergo the trans mountain expansion. Tax payer money is used in the process of negotiating defence deals with countries like Saudi Arabia. Tax payer money is used to fund the RCMP, which has undergone numerous scandals, and are regularly accused of police brutality and discrimination.
Tax payer money funds so many egregious things, but the resounding silence for all of these is quite telling. People seem to prefer lining the pockets of coal CEOs and billionaires who are getting paid to wreck the planet. But this, THIS is a step TOO far. Eyeroll.
@ A
Silence? I have seen many protests and people complaining about EVERYTHING you just mentioned. Maybe you should pay more attention?
I’m an American, and my personal feeling is they stepped away from the RF, so no security for them. Let H&M pay for their own private security detail. You wonderful Canadians shouldn’t have to pay a cent for anything related to H&M as long as they reside in your country. And if they should decide to relocate to the US, same goes here. They pay their own way. Period. End of story.
I bet as soon as Meghan’s star begins to fade, she’ll divorce Harry and marry whoever is the richest billionaire in her orbit.
@HoudiniHarry, And then Harry will rush back to the royal family, who will welcome him with open arms. And he’ll marry an English rose and have the right coloured children. And all will be right with the world!
The fan-fiction writes itself, doesn’t it?
tell us how you really feel about her …..
I am not a Canadian taxpayer but it seems logical that the RF should pay for their security. You birthed them you guard them. No matter what country they are in. If they are on a government approved visit then the government should pay. Again I don’t get a vote but this family has more money than some of the actual countries in the commonwealth they can afford it.
Wow alot of intresting responses objecting to their stay & paying for security. What part of (even in Queen’s statement) independent from public funds is difficult to understand??Good thing invictus isnt happening in Canada or else you people would’ve complained about paying for it. I mean its astonishing to see the people who want the perks of having famous people around(boost to the economy, tourism,exposure) but not to protect these assets!!!🤦♀️
Good thing this is just temporary. I think they are only visiting and will probably decide to live in US near Doria so we’ll see
I don’t think people mind the Invictus games, because that’s for a good cause and all, but I think you’re deeply overestimating the effect of “famous people” on the local economy. No one comes to Vancouver with the expectation that they’ll get to gawk at Barbra Streisand. They come for the scenery, for the nature, for the chance to go skiing, for the absolute gorgeousness that is Vancouver Island. Famous people aren’t our asset, lmao.
As a a Canadian citizen, I do not give a flying f*ck if ‘my’ tax dollars go to their security. The amount will be so minimal compared to all the other shitty things government spends money on. Plus, they’ll probably bring a decent amount of tourism money in wherever the land so figure it will just even out.
I’m Canadian and HELL NO. They can go buy an island in the Maldives and find their own security.
@ VEGAN 100%
French Canadian (immigrant) here and Hell no as well! Wish them the Best.
This question keeps coming up and it’s a lot of shit stirring. People are saying Trudeau will cover the cost, but he has said no such thing. I think W&K fans are really pushing this to incite hate towards Harry and Meghan wherever country they choose to go. I don’t think Trudeau and Canadians will cover the cost, and I think Harry and Meghan have too much integrity to allow tax payers to cover it. The responsibily should belong to Greedy Liz, this is her grandson and we know she has multimillions in off shore accounts, fork it up, we know you can. And besides Canada is a commonwealth whos ties to the monarchy is getting considerably weaker as time goes by, forcing them to pay maybe the last straw that pushes them into a republic.
I’m not gonna comment on the security situation and who’s paying for it, because there’s simply not enough information out there about this just yet. But this has always been a crucial sticking point for me, especially before, when the whole “exile” narrative was being pushed really hard, way before Harry and Meghan decided to step away from the royal family as a whole. When I was under the impression that they would be spending extended periods of time in another country while still on the public dime, I was pretty peeved about the whole idea that the royals would try and use the colonies to get rid of family members they didn’t like and wanted to keep out of the public eye.
But now that they’ve announced that they will be stepping down as senior royals, I don’t know. Speaking as a Canadian, I’m cool with them being here and all, but they’d have to pay for their own stuff. I imagine that that’s what they’d like to do as well, going off the information we have so far. But I think Meghan and Harry stepping down as senior royals and going to Canada in that capacity is actually a really good middle ground for them. They’re far enough away to put some distance between themselves and everyone else, but close enough that they’re in a Commonwealth country that still has the Queen as the head of state, so they’re not completely out of touch with the royal side of things. And it’s close enough to the US for them to do whatever they need to do there. It’s a win-win, and as long as Canadians don’t feel like they’re paying for them, things should be perfectly fine.
The whole point of the royal family is they are suppose to bring in more money than they cost. They are just like any other business, if they were making a loss, they would have been cut loose years ago. No one in the RF are bringing profits to their causes like harry and Meghan. Justin Trudeau knows having them there is an asset, not a liability, and could boost the economy by millions. People need to look at the potential profits, rather than the expenses. If anything the UK will probably suffer more of a financial loss not having them.
The US has good domestic relations and policies with both Canada and the UK. One can leave the US as a citizen and remain in Canada for 180 days, exit for a day and return. Canadians often winter in our warmer states, e.g. Arizona and can remain in the US for 182 days before returning. Why would they need to immigrate? It would seem easier to move freely between borders. As to security, should they travel to LA on a state visit, they would receive secure travel from point to point on our highway system, (CHP), but security would be paid by the UK. Should they travel as private citizens they would be responsible for their own security costs.
I think since they really WERE driven out (their plans were leaked on purpose, like Harry knew they would be), that private family money should pay their first few years’ security. I think they’re fleeing because the family is toxic af and to Meghan in particular, and toxic family uses money as a leash.
I’m not Canadian so my two cents are worth even less, but it seems like Harry & Meghan will and already are bringing in more revenue for Canada. Every single post I’ve seen since the news leaked about where they were vacationing — then moving! — has been full of Americans saying they plan to vacation in Canada (or Vancouver specifically). Security for three people seems like it would be far less than most social aid programs, so I suspect that they might be able to generate some new tourist money and .005% or whatever of what they bring in to help cover until they’re on their own feet (which they obviously want to be) might be a good investment.
Canada doesn’t need new tourist money, we are a first world country Ffs. What we need is to get our own issues sorted like getting homeless people off the street. There’s no reason for those two to come to Canada other than – shes Friends with Trudeau and people in power here and it’s easy to build a brand here and control it rather than in the United States. We don’t need to be funding imported royalty, I’m sure most people would agree. Their presence does absolutely nothing Here but pad their own pockets. They’re already taking away from issues that matter, like the plane crash victims and their families getting spotlight , that’s what Canada cares about right now.
I didn’t mean to imply that it was needed, just that it’s an inevitable side effect. They generate a lot of interest, which is part of why their own family doesn’t want them. It’s a real shame that their personal life plight is ‘taking away’ from the plane crash victims. I’m not sure why that would be the case, but if it is, that’s not on Harry and Meghan, that’s on whomever it is with the warped priorities.
It’s amazing how many settlers (non-Indigenous Canadians) are all of sudden concerned with drinking water in Indigenous communities.
I guess everyone is going to start marching in the streets demanding action now as opposed to turning a blind eye for the last 153 years.
If Meghan and Harry’s presence has inspired that, I am ecstatic that my taxes pay for their security.
Ummm people have been protesting about the water crisis in indigenous communities for years. Maybe YOU haven’t been paying attention ! But by all means, please go ahead and assume you just know everything about everyone.
As a Canadian I don’t want to pay for their security. But I’m not worrying about it … nobody is. I haven’t heard anyone say one word about Meghan and Harry. This is not in the news here… we don’t care. We’re more concerned about the plane crash in Iran.