CANADA will stop paying for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's security costs in the coming weeks once they step back from royal duties.

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police have been assisting the Metropolitan Police with security for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex since November, when the couple began a six-week holiday in Canada.

5 Harry and Meghan have stood down as working royals and cannot use their titles when they start their new life at the end of March Credit: The Mega Agency

But once Megxit has happened on March 31, Canada will stop providing security for the couple.

The announcement suggests the £20m cost of the couple's round-the-clock protection will fall on UK taxpayers.

The Canadian government statement said: "As the Duke and Duchess are currently recognised as Internationally Protected Persons, Canada has an obligation to provide security assistance on an as-needed basis," the government statement said.

"The assistance will cease in the coming weeks, in keeping with their change in status."

It comes as it was revealed that Harry and Meghan will "continue to require effective security to protect them and their son" from the Metropolitan Police.

5 Harry is seen accompanied by security as he arrives in Canada after leaving the UK last month Credit: Doug Seeburg - The Sun

5 Meghan and Harry, pictured arriving back in Canada after a visit to the US earlier this month, will require security to protect them and their son Archie Credit: BackGrid

In a statement on their website the Duke and Duchess of Sussex said they will "continue to require effective security to protect them and their son" which should fall on the UK taxpayer "based on the Duke's public profile by virtue of being born a royal, his military service, the Duchess's independent profile."

Police fear resources will be stretched while protecting the couple who experts believe could make £1bn following their split from the royal family.

Senior officers are understood to be drafting emergency plans to double the ­British protection team guarding the family.

Former Met protection officer Dai Davies said: "In their current state the plans are unworkable.

"Harry and Meghan’s ­situation has called for a complete ripping up of the ­rulebook and they are acting like none of the rules apply to them.

"There is already a severe lack of trained officers and this is only adding to the Met's woes."

Scotland Yard refused to comment when contacted by the Sun Online.

A spokesman for the Sussexes said: "Buckingham Palace does not comment on the details of security arrangement.

"There are well-established independent processes to determine the need for publicly funded security."

Robert Watts, compiler of the Sunday Times Rich List, estimates the couple are on course to triple the £355million net worth of the Beckhams.

After probing Harry and Meghan's financial background, Mr Watts said: "You can't underestimate the international appeal of being a Royal.

"And the appeal is even bigger in the US, Canada and the rest of the world.

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"I think it’s possible that in ten years’ time, Prince Harry and Meghan could make it on to the Sunday Times Rich List with £500m and £1bn in the longer term."

In their first joint UK event since their bombshell decision to cut ties with the royal family, the couple will attend the annual Endeavour Fund Awards on March 5 in London.

They were last seen together on January 7 when they visited Canada House in London to thank the nation for hosting them during their festive break in the Commonwealth country.

Meanwhile the Duke of Sussex said "call me Harry" as he launched his final round of royal duties on Wednesday before stepping down.

He took to the stage for his eco-friendly project Travalyst after arriving in Edinburgh from Canada by commercial jet and train.

5 Harry and Meghan's taxpayer-funded security bill could rise to £20m Credit: PA:Press Association

5 The Duke of Sussex during a sustainable tourism summit at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre yesterday Credit: PA:Press Association