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Harry and Meghan can 91Ƶlive a little less formal91Ƶ in Canada, says Monarchist League

Group says Canada is natural fit, while Ottawa ambiguous on who will cover couple91Ƶs security costs
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In this Thursday, Jan.18, 2018 file photo, Britain91Ƶs Prince Harry and his fiancee Meghan Markle leave after a visit to Cardiff Castle in Cardiff, Wales. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein, FILE)

A Canadian monarchist says Prince Harry and Meghan91Ƶs part-time move to Canada marks the first time in recent history that the royals will maintain a regular presence in the country.

The Queen Monday to the plan that will see the Duke and Duchess of Sussex split their time between Canada and the U.K. during a 91Ƶperiod of transition.91Ƶ

91ƵMy family and I are entirely supportive of Harry and Meghan91Ƶs desire to create a new life as a young family,91Ƶ the Queen said in a statement.

91ƵAlthough we would have preferred them to remain full-time working members of the Royal Family, we respect and understand their wish to live a more independent life as a family while remaining a valued part of my family.91Ƶ

Robert Finch, chairman of the Monarchist League of Canada, says Canada is a natural fit for the young royals, allowing them to maintain their connection to the Crown while offering relief from the intense scrutiny they face in the U.K.

91ƵWhen Harry goes to store here in Canada, his grandmother91Ƶs still on the coin, right?91Ƶ Finch said. 91ƵCanada91Ƶs a vast country, and sometimes it91Ƶs nice to be lost in the vastness of it.91Ƶ

91ƵI think many members of the royal family have seen how they can live a little less formal, be a little less stuffy, really let their hair down.91Ƶ

Finch said the prospect of royals living among us could serve as a constant reminder to Canadians of the country91Ƶs ties to the monarchy.

The Sussexes91Ƶ move also raises the possibility that baby Archie will grow up as a Canadian, he said, with a local accent to boot.

Finch expects that many Canadians will be excited to see some regal glamour close to home, but disgruntled taxpayers might take issue with the prospect of footing the bill for Harry and Meghan91Ƶs lifestyle.

Speaking to reporters in Toronto, Finance Minister Bill Morneau said there haven91Ƶt been any discussions about who will cover the couple91Ƶs security costs.

91ƵWe haven91Ƶt spent any time thinking about this issue,91Ƶ Morneau said Monday. 91ƵWe obviously are always looking to make sure that as a member of the Commonwealth that we play a role.91Ƶ

To become permanent legal residents of Canada, members of the Royal Family would have to apply through the normal immigration process, said Citizenship and Immigration spokesperson Beatrice Fenelon in a statement.

They91Ƶre not required to seek authorization to stay as visitors, Fenelon said.

Adina Bresge, The Canadian Press

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