William wedding comes with royal price tag

Two billion people are expected to tune in on April 29 to see the future King of England, Prince William, wed his university girlfriend Kate Middleton. But behind the romance come the hard figures.

British broadsheet the Daily Telegraph has reported that the nuptials – which have been decreed a public holiday – are going to cost the country GBP 5 billion (EUR 5.6 billion) in lost revenue by creating consecutive four-day weekends (combined with Easter and the May Day bank holiday. However, this must be offset against the GBP 1 billion expected to be generated in extra tourist revenues and sales of memorabilia – including the classic commemorative tea towels.

The costs of the event itself are being shared by the Royal Family and the Middletons. Miss Middleton’s bridal gown, a closely guarded secret, is expected to cost GBP 30,000 and her maid of honor’s dress another GBP 20,000. These costs are being met by the Middleton family, along with another GPB 20,000 for their pre-wedding accommodation in a five-star hotel. In total, the Middletons are forecast to shell out GBP 100,000, according to UK newspaper the Daily Mail.

Though this may seem a lot, the average cost of a UK wedding now exceeds GBP 20,000. Unlike most British newlyweds, Kate and William will at least save on the reception, as the venue – Buckingham Palace – is presumably at their disposal for no charge. Nor did William have to break the bank for an engagement ring (which should cost two months’ salary, according to convention), as he used his mother Princess Diana’s band from her ill-fated marriage to Prince Charles.

The big money is instead going on security – estimates range from EUR 5-10 million and above – and this bill is being picked up by the taxpayer. Britain’s royals still command relatively high levels of public support, William is popular, and as the bunting goes up and street parties organized, there is a buzz around the wedding (the day off did not hurt).

But not everyone is celebrating. Graham Smith, of the anti-royal lobby group Republic, said, “It is not for the taxpayer to pay for any part of this event – the Windsors must cough up. If people are being told to tighten their belts, if the government is making thousands unemployed, if welfare payments are being slashed, it would be sickening for the government to allow a single penny more to be spent on the Royals at this time.”

And Emma Boon, campaign director for Taxpayers’ Alliance, added, “Of course it should be an event for the whole nation to celebrate, but ordinary taxpayers should not be left with a bill fit for a king.”