Meghan Markle and Prince Harry beef up security at £11m Canadian bolthole with new CCTV and tarpaulin barrier
MEGHAN Markle and Prince Harry have beefed up security at their £11m Canadian bolthole with new CCTV cameras and a tarpaulin barrier, it was revealed today.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have made the rented mansion their home after announcing they were stepping down as royals.
A giant tarp has been hung between the trees to obscure the view of their home, while at least one security camera has been installed along the beach.
The security measures also include a "no trespassing" sign on the fence.
The couple moved to Canada with their nine-month-old son Archie this year as they prepare to drop their HRH styles and quit the monarchy for a life of personal and financial freedom.
And the security measures come after lawyers for the couple issued a legal warning after the ex-Suits star was photographed walking her dogs with Archie last month.
Meghan had fled the UK after she and Prince Harry released their bombshell announcement to quit as royals - having spent six weeks over Christmas at the sprawling property.
Despite speculation, it is unclear who owns the mansion and if they couple are paying rent.
The Sun previously revealed they asked neighbours on Vancouver Island to sign non-disclosure agreements before moving in for Christmas with baby Archie.
The Mille Fleurs home near Victoria, British Columbia, would have cost more than £100,000 to rent.
The idyllic bolthole has stunning views and boasts eight bedrooms and two private beaches.
HOME SWEET HOME
One local, who did not wish to be named, told The Sun: “I was very surprised to hear they were staying there because it’s always been a mystery about who actually owns it.
"It doesn’t seem the sort of place a royal couple would go.”
Locals on the island first spotted Harry and Meghan around December 18 enjoying hikes and jogs — with the pair even stopping to take a selfie for another couple on New Year’s Day as they enjoyed their Christmas break.
They missed the traditional royal Christmas with the Queen and family at Sandringham.
The couple then returned to the UK, before Meghan headed back to Canada to be reunited with baby Archie.
Harry then secured the Megxit deal with the Queen in crunch talks before flying back to his new home.
Meanwhile, an ex-Palace protection officer claimed the couple's bodyguards may have lost respect for them for quitting the Royal Family.
Scotland Yard officers protecting the couple had voiced concerns about being treated like "skivvies", running errands including picking up groceries and coffees.
A former close protection officer for both the Duke of York and Princess Royal told The Sun Online the concerns could show Meghan and Harry's “ring of steel” was "fed up" with the pair.
Brit taxpayers are still funding the couple's protection while they live in Canada.