Duchess of Sussex's decision to leave Archie in Canada while joining Prince Harry in UK could cost up to £50K in security costs

The cost of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's security has hit the headlines again as the couple's latest move could cost up to £50,000 in additional costs.

• Meghan Markle will leave Archie in Vancouver, Canada when joining Prince Harry in England this week
• Their decision to split the family across two nations could increase security bill by £50,000
• The couple are undertaking their last royal engagements before stepping down as senior royals
• This follows royal news that royal staff could face redundancies following their decision to step down

Meghan Markle's decision to leave Archie in Vancouver when she flies to England to support husband, Prince Harry, later this week could cost an additional £50,000 in security costs.

With the family thought to be separating, Metropolitan Police have been forced to arrange security precautions in both nations - with the British taxpayer thought to be footing the bill.

Meghan, 38, is set to return to the UK in the coming days to join Harry, 35, as the couple undertake their last few engagements as working royals before stepping down from their roles.

And, while it was thought nine-month-old Archie would join them, it seems that's not the case.

According to The Sun on Sunday, the couple have a team of six royal protection officers which cost upwards of £600,000. This figure could rise as 12 officers are needed when the family are separated.

A royal insider said, “Next week will demonstrate the colossal challenges and sums involved when Harry and Meghan are in London needing security just as much as Archie.

“It’s as much as another £50,000 to what’s already being run up.

It's not the first time the couple's rising security costs have raised eyebrows as Canada recently announced they were withdrawing their contribution towards security costs after the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's "change in status". Which could put an enormous strain on the taxpayer-funded Met Police.

This week's trip will no doubt draw more attention to ongoing talk about the cost of looking after the couple. "It’s an expensive time just when the costs of looking after the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are under scrutiny," the insider added.

But the couple appear to be feeling positive about their new private life and recently shared a poignant message about hope on their Instagram account.

It read, "Happy 1st of March everyone! This month, we continue on the good news path and are pleased to be following @TanksGoodNews, as a reminder of all the good that is happening in the world.

"We hope it uplifts and inspires you! Images and footage used are from the account we are now following."