Prince Harry, Meghan Markle Vancouver visit cost taxpayers $44k in police overtime

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s brief visit to Vancouver in February 2023 cost Canadian taxpayers approximately $44,000 in police overtime, according to records obtained by Daily Express. 

The couple visited Vancouver and Whistler between February 14 and 16 as part of their efforts to promote the 2025 Invictus Games, which will be held in those locations. 

While the Invictus Games covered $10,221 of the expenses, the remaining costs were borne by taxpayers. 

In an email to CTVNews.ca, a Vancouver Police Department spokesperson clarified that while they did not provide specific security for the couple, officers were stationed in the area due to ongoing protests, including rallies for Palestinian and Sikh independence. 

Doug Maynard, Director of Security for the 2025 Invictus Games, emphasised that taxpayer funds were not used directly for security during the royal visit.