Aussie taxpayers to fund some of Harry and Meghan’s tour – despite insistence it will be ‘privately-funded’
Australian taxpayers are due to foot the bill for police operations during the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s tour of the country next week.
The couple’s itinerary is understood to include stops in Melbourne, Canberra and Sydney, starting
More than 35,000 people signed a petition in March demanding no taxpayers’ money be spent on their upcoming visit.
But a spokesman for the couple responded to the petition, insisting the trip would be privately funded and pinpointing how many Australians had not signed up.
He said: ‘It’s a moot point. The trip is being funded privately, so I’m not sure what this petition hopes to achieve.’
However, on Friday, police forces in Victoria and New South Wales confirmed they would be running public safety operations this month, which are paid for by the public.
‘The New South Wales Police Force will conduct an operation to ensure public safety is maintained during the visit by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex,’ a spokesperson said.
‘The operation will require some additional security measures throughout their stay in New South Wales, while minimising any disruption to the community.’
Australian taxpayers are due to foot the bill for police operations during the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s tour of the country next week
Police services will be focused on the events in which the public may possibly be involved, which will be part of the force’s expenditure, according to The Sydney Morning Herald.
Victoria Police would not comment on the couple’s tour but acknowledged they were aware of a major public event this month when contacted by the Daily Mail.
‘Police are aware two high-profile people are visiting Melbourne in a private capacity in April,’ a spokesperson said.
‘Police routinely assess events and visits and will deploy resources as necessary to ensure community safety.’
They added that Victoria Police does not provide comment on specific operational arrangements, and directed queries to event organisers.
The Daily Mail has contacted the office of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex for comment.
More to come.
