A FORMER police officer has accused Prince Harry and Meghan of contributing to a “staffing crisis” as security costs could rise to £20 million a year.

Police are concerned the pair’s new travel-heavy lifestyle could cause a “staffing crisis” among security workers.

They have recently travelled between the UK, USA and Canada, sometimes separately, leaving security staff struggling to cope with the increased demand.

Former Met protection officer Dai Davies told The Mirror: “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.”

The royal couple’s security bill could rise to £20million, The Mirror reported, and an internal Scotland Yard report seen by the publication warned of a “staffing crisis” within the unit that protects the royal family.

This figure far exceeds initial estimations of about £3 million a year.

Labour MP Stephen Doughty said: “I support the freedom of Harry and Meghan to choose a more private life, but serious questions must now be asked about who is going to foot this ballooning security bill… particularly when they plan to travel for personal or commercial reasons.

“It cannot be right that at a time when communities across the UK are calling out for more police to tackle serious crime and violence, that further pressure is being placed on them.”

The royal couple announced last month that they would be standing down as senior royals.

They will retain the titles of Duke and Duchess of Sussex, but will look to become more independent from the royal family and earn their own income. They plan to give up the five per cent of funding they receive from the Sovereign Grant, money received from British taxpayers through the government, which was equivalent to £82.2million in 2018-19.

It is now predicted that the couple could make millions from sponsored social media posts, having established their SussexRoyal brand.

But Harry and Meghan could be forced to drop the name after discussions with Buckingham Palace.

A spokesman for the Sussexes told The Guardian “the Duke and Duchess of Sussex do not intend to use ‘SussexRoyal’ in any territory post-spring 2020”.

They will end their royal duties on March 31 and vacate their office at Buckingham Palace.