Harry and Meghan to lose Canadian security as they step back from duties
The Canadian government says it will stop protecting the couple "in the coming weeks".
Thursday 5 March 2020 20:14, UK
Canada says it will end its security assistance for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex when they step back from royal duties.
Canadian officials say they will not provide security for Harry and Meghan after they walk away from most royal duties, which they plan to do from April.
Mary-Liz Power, a spokeswoman for Canada's public safety minister, said: "The assistance will cease in the coming weeks, in keeping with their change in status."
The couple said they will give up public funding and become financially independent as they live in Canada.
Royal Canadian Police had been working as security for the couple since November.
Ms Power said that as Duke and Duchess of Sussex, they had been considered "internationally protected persons" who warranted security measures under international treaty.
Britain's Metropolitan Police had also requested the assistance.
The couple are expected to spend most of their time in Canada while maintaining a home near Windsor Castle.
They have been renting a mansion on Vancouver Island in British Columbia.
While they have been welcomed in Canada, there has been public opposition to taxpayers paying for their security.
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The couple stunned Britons in January by announcing that they wanted to step back from royal duties and build a more peaceful life away from the media spotlight.
The pair have also abandoned plans to use the "Sussex Royal" brand once they have stood down as senior royals.
The Duchess of Sussex will soon return to the UK for the first time in almost two months for one of her final engagements as a senior royal.
Meghan will join Harry at an event in London on 5 March to celebrate the achievements of wounded service personnel, which will be their first public appearance together since 7 January.
They were last sighted as a couple at Canada House in the capital to thank the nation for hosting them during their festive break.