The Royalty of Cost: Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle’s Weddings

When the royal families of Britain prepared for the weddings of Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, and Meghan Markle, the expense associated with the ceremonies quickly became a topic of public interest. The specifics of these monumental events, and the cost breakdown, have garnered attention for several years. In this article, we will explore the financial details behind the weddings of these two modern-day royals, analyzing the significant costs involved, with a special focus on the security expenses.

Costs of Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge’s Wedding

When Catherine, the daughter of Prince Charles and Lady Diana, married Prince William in 2011, the event was widely covered by the media, and the cost of the wedding received much attention. The total cost of the wedding was estimated at ￡34 million ($43.4 million), which included various expenses related to the planning, venue, and general ceremony arrangements.

However, the most prominent and noteworthy expense was the amount allocated to security. Of the total ￡34 million allocated, an astounding ￡32 million was set aside for security purposes. This high budget allocation reflects the sensitivities and risks associated with royal events, particularly those involving the young and heir-apparents of the British crown.

Costs of Meghan Markle’s Wedding

When Meghan Markle, the American actress, decided to marry into the British royal family, the wedding brought another round of financial attention. The 2018 nuptials of the former U.S. lawyer to Prince Harry were estimated to have cost around ￡43 million ($55.1 million). The breakdown of the costs included an impressive ￡39 million allocated to security measures. This represents a 30% increase in the security costs compared to Kate’s wedding six years earlier, signaling a heightened security awareness within the royal family.

Who Pays for These Weddings?

These substantial expenses of royal weddings often leave people wondering, "Who really pays for such extravagant events?" In the case of both weddings, the cost was not covered by the royal family itself. As a rule, the British public shoulders the financial burden for all royal events. The funds for these weddings are primarily taken from the Civil List, a government grant designed to help the monarch and their royal family with personal expenses. This means that the taxpayers of the UK indirectly pay for the luxury and security measures associated with these royal weddings.

What Distinguishes These Weddings?

While both weddings were grand in scale, there were some differences in the specific costs. For example, the transport and carriage for the wedding procession were opulent, and the uniforms of the pageboys and other participants were lavishly designed. The venue, Windsor Abbey, one of the most prestigious royal churches, was a focal point, contributing to the overall grandeur and the associated expenses like floral displays, decorations, and the individual wedding favors given to the guests.

Conclusion: Public vs. Private Contributions

In conclusion, the weddings of Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle were not only grand and historic but also involved significant financial expenditures, with the vast majority allocated to security measures. These weddings highlight the careful planning and preparation required for such royal occasions, as well as the implications for public funding through the Civil List.

These events, while important to the public history of the British royal family, also serve as a reminder of the balance between the public and private aspects of the monarchy in today's society.