An explosive investigation has revealed the eye-watering security costs behind Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's final royal tour before stepping down as senior working royals. The couple's 2019 visit to South Africa came with a staggering £3.2 million price tag for protection alone.
The Breakdown: Where Millions Were Spent
According to documents obtained under the Freedom of Information Act, the massive security expenditure included:
- Round-the-clock protection for the Sussexes and their infant son Archie
- Specialist security teams operating across multiple locations
- Advanced surveillance and monitoring equipment
- Secure transportation and accommodation arrangements
- Coordination with local South African security forces
Taxpayers Foot the Bill
The most controversial aspect of these revelations is that British taxpayers bore the majority of these costs. Despite the couple's private commercial activities and substantial personal wealth, the public purse covered the extensive security arrangements required for their official royal duties.
This enormous expenditure occurred mere months before Harry and Meghan announced their decision to step back from royal life, raising questions about the timing and justification for such substantial public spending.
Comparative Costs Raise Eyebrows
Security experts have noted that the £3.2 million figure significantly exceeds typical protection costs for royal tours of similar duration and complexity. The extensive nature of the security operation, coupled with the couple's high-profile status and specific threat assessments, contributed to the unprecedented total.
Royal commentators suggest these figures will likely fuel ongoing debates about the appropriate level of public funding for royals who maintain substantial private income streams and international business interests.
Ongoing Security Debates
The revelation comes amid continuing discussions about who should pay for the Sussexes' security now that they reside in the United States. While no longer working royals, the couple maintains they still require protection due to ongoing security threats.
These new figures provide context for current negotiations about security funding and may influence public opinion about the appropriate balance between royal privileges and taxpayer responsibilities.
