This Is Why Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Just Increased Their Security in Canada
Meghan, Duchess of Sussex and Prince Harry are enjoying their new, low-key lives in Canada. Since the Sussexes officially stepped down as senior members of the British royal family, very little has been seen or heard from them. Instead, they’ve been hiding out on Vancouver Island in Canada behind the gates of their rented $14.1 million mansion.
One of the major reasons the duke and duchess decided to step away from the royal spotlight is so that they could have some peace and some semblance of normalcy in their lives when it came to raising their infant son, Archie Harrison. Obviously, the U.K.’s obsession with the duo, as well as their disdain for Markle did not allow that to happen.
However, after spending six-weeks on Vancouver Island over the holiday season in 2019, the duo decided that they could find some peace there, at least for now. Unfortunately, the pair have already had to increase their security.
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s $14 million Vancouver Island mansion is massive
Since November, the Sussexes have been staying at a $14.1 million waterfront mansion owned by a mystery millionaire. The duo was connected with the property by Canadian musician, David Foster. The massive estate sits on four acres and has access to two beaches. According to Daily Mail, the home is “fully furnished, with a 11,416 square foot main house with five bedrooms and eight bathrooms and a 2,349 square foot guest cottage with three beds and two baths.”
In addition to the massive square footage, the estate has, “a formal dining room, paneled office with fireplace, large two-story living room opening to the chef’s kitchen with pizza oven, game room with wet bar, media room and wine tasting room.”
Just before the Sussexes arrived — temporary fencing, screens, cameras, and a team of security guards were put in place for privacy.
Inside Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s security drama
So far, the Sussexes are still being protected by the royal guard through U.K. taxpayers. They have 15 highly-trained armed close protection experts guarding them 24-hours a day. “It will have to happen because Harry has served in the army and is a risk. Prince Harry is a terrorist target and he has to be protected,” royal expert Dickie Arbiterwith to The Evening Standard. However, should the Sussexes choose to make Canada their permanent home, that cost might transfer to Canadian citizens.
Unfortunately, the Sussexes’ royal protection officers aren’t too pleased about their new positions. “While the guys are happy to be out there doing the jobs, there is a feeling they are carrying out menial tasks, like picking up takeaways and groceries,” an insider told The Sun. “They are close protection officers—and should be sticking solely to close protection rather than running errands. It is dangerous for one thing, because if something were to happen it would not be good if one of them was away running an errand or picking up coffee. And they are the ones who would get it in the neck from their bosses if they were in the wrong place at the wrong time.”
This is why Prince Harry and Meghan Markle just beefed up their security
It seems that despite their armed guards, security is still a major concern for the Sussexes. TMZ has just reported that the couple has added more security cameras, tarp, fences, and warnings around the property. Additionally, the entrance to the estate has been covered in a white tarp, so that curious people walking outside cannot peer inside.
TMZ is also reporting that new cameras and fences have been installed along the perimeter of the property. There are also “private property – no trespassing” signs all around. Interestingly enough, the signs have a handwritten note added at the bottom, reading, “Thank you!”
Though the Sussexes have managed to remain pretty incognito, Canada does not have the same privacy laws as the U.K. “The privacy rules are really, really strong here [in Britain] in part because of Harry and William, and the days when they were growing up, those privacy rules were put in place to protect them for the large part,” NBC News London correspondent Kelly Cobiella told Today. “Now they’re moving to a place where those rules don’t apply.”
