14 February 2024 , 06:38
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After quitting the UK, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle looked destined to set up their new life in British Columbia, Canada.
However, the Duke and Duchess' move didn't prove to be the happy ever after they envisaged and the couple have since set up base in Montecito in the United States. While there are many rumours being suggested that Harry is still pining for a move back to the UK, especially following the news of King Charles' cancer diagnosis, why did their move to Canada not prove a success?
According to reports at the time, Harry and Meghan had a number of concerns about starting a new family and life in Canada. Most notable, it was suggested the pair made the last-minute dash across the border as they had concerns over the potential tax situation.
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Prince Harry and Meghan Markle had concerns about residing in Canada (Getty Images)They were also said to fear losing their personal security, according to sources. They made the decision to head to the US with then-10-month-old Prince Archie in 2020, just one week before the Covid-19 pandemic brought non-essential travel to a halt.
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It's claimed a major factor in the decision was because, as they owned properties in both countries, they would face being taxed twice. It was thought they initially intended on settling in a Commonwealth country so they could continue certain royal duties, while also branching out into their own personal ventures.
However, a source told The Sun at the time that Meghan's passport issues would have meant she was faced with a hefty tax bill if they stayed in Canada. The insider told the publication: "They were told getting work visas in Canada would be difficult and because Meghan remains a US citizen, so is taxed on her worldwide income, she would end up paying in the US and Canada."
It also appeared as though their stay in Canada wasn't welcome by some. In January 2020, following news the pair were set to reside in the country, Canada's biggest newspaper warned them that they are not welcome to live there as a 'halfway house'.
While Prime Minister Justin Trudeau tweeted over Christmas 2019 that the couple would "always welcome" as they spent the festive period in Vancouver, the newspaper has said the government's response should be a "simple and succinct: No".
Also on the minds of Harry and Meghan during their move, was the idea of round-the-clock security for them and their loved ones.