RCMP Royal Family Security
Classification: Unclassified
Branch/Agency: RCMP
Proposed Response:
- The Government of Canada is aware – as are most Canadians – of statements by the Queen and Buckingham Palace regarding the decision by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex to step back from royal duties and reside in Canada on a part-time basis.
- The Royal Canadian Mounted Police, as outlined in its regulations, has a duty to protect individuals designated by the Minister of Public Safety, including certain members of the Royal Family when visiting. The level of service provided to any protectee is in accordance with the Force’s assessment of threat and risk.
- The Royal Canadian Mounted Police has been working closely with United Kingdom’s Metropolitan Police since the Duke and Duchess’ arrival in Canada.
- The Royal Canadian Mounted Police`s ongoing provision of service will be determined based on the assessment of the threat and risk environment, as well as the status of the Duke and Duchess, which is due to change as of spring 2020.
Financial Implications:
- The costs of protecting the Duke and Duchess and other protectees are covered through the RCMP’s existing operational budget.
- For security reasons, the RCMP cannot provide a detailed breakdown of these costs, nor can it disclose specific security measures, including the number of police personnel assigned to provide protection.
Background:
There has been significant media attention since the announcement by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex of their intent to step down as Senior Royals to pursue a new role in the Royal Family and reside part-time in North America.
On January 18, 2020, Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II confirmed that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex will step down from their royal duties and reside in Canada on a part-time basis, effective spring 2020. The Sussex’s have deep ties to Canada; however, this plan has raised a number of unprecedented questions (and significant media focus) regarding Canada’s obligations to the Duke and Duchess, particularly related to security costs and the provision of protection.
As per RCMP Regulations (s.14), the RCMP has the duty to protect identified Canadian Executives (e.g., Prime Ministers, Governor General, justices of the Supreme Court, Cabinet Ministers), any other Canadian citizen or permanent resident (as defined in the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act), who is designated by the Minister of Public Safety, Internationally Protected Persons or any foreign national who is designated by the Minister of Public Safety.
In the past, the RCMP has provided protective security to different members of the Royal Family while in Canada; however, the scope and type of services provided was dependent on the nature of the visit – i.e., in an official capacity on behalf of the Queen, or a working or private visit; whether the individual was designated by the Minister of Public Safety to receive protection from the RCMP, and in accordance with the RCMP’s assessment of the threat and risk to the security of the person.
As the Duke and Duchess have renounced their royal titles, the determination of future security obligations, designations, needs and/or associated costs has not yet been made.
Contacts:
Prepared by: Sean McGillis, Executive Director, Federal Policing Strategic Direction, RCMP, 613-843-5914
Approved by: Mike Duheme, Deputy Commissioner Federal Policing, RCMP, 613-843-4627
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