Who Covers the Expenses of a Royal Wedding, and What Is the Total Cost?

Several years have passed since the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, popularly known as Will and Kate, exchanged vows. Now, the world eagerly anticipates the wedding of Prince Harry and the stylish American actress Meghan Markle. While even ordinary weddings can be costly, the royal wedding has sparked curiosity about the financial burden on the royal family, Markle's relatives, and British taxpayers.

Answering this question is no simple task. Royal weddings are famous for their opulence, and it's clear to everyone that this event will be exceptionally costly. How costly, you might wonder? Given the exclusive bridal fashion, floral arrangements, and gourmet cuisine planned for their ceremony and reception, this wedding is anticipated to rank among the most lavish celebrity weddings ever, potentially surpassing even Prince William's 2011 celebration.

British citizens can take solace in knowing they won't bear the primary costs of the wedding. At least not the fundamental expenses. Following Harry and Meghan's engagement, Kensington Palace issued a statement clarifying the matter: "Similar to the wedding of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, The Royal Family will cover the essential elements of the wedding, including the church service, music, floral arrangements, decorations, and the subsequent reception."

Traditionally, the bride's family pays for the wedding, but like with Will and Kate's ceremony, Prince Charles and the queen will shoulder most of the expenses. Will and Kate's wedding cost approximately $2 million, excluding security [source: CBS]. Kate Middleton's parents contributed a six-figure amount (they own a multi-million-dollar party supply business), but Markle's family, being of modest means, isn't expected to contribute. However, Markle is reportedly covering the cost of her gown, given her $5 million net worth. The dress, likely a high-end design, is estimated to cost between $420,000 and $560,000, though experts believe she'll choose something that doesn't overshadow the Duchess of Cambridge's wedding dress [sources: Halleman, Evans].

The British wedding planning app Bridebook estimated the total cost of Meghan and Harry's wedding to be nearly £2 million or $2,712,600. (As of May 2018, the exchange rate was U.S.$1.36 to £1). Here's a detailed breakdown of their estimated expenses:

However, the most significant expense is expected to be the extensive security measures, including snipers, drones, undercover officers, and military technology. Will and Kate's security cost British taxpayers around $32 million, and Harry and Meghan's security is projected to exceed $41 million, bringing the total estimated cost of the royal wedding to approximately $44 million [sources: Halleman, Evans]. The increase is attributed to factors such as racially motivated threats against Markle, Prince Harry's military background, and the U.K.'s current terrorism threat level [source: Sholl].

While the marriage might be seen as a financial strain on British taxpayers, it also presents a unique chance for many to profit. Discover how individuals are capitalizing on Harry and Meghan's wedding on the following page.

The Economic Impact of a Royal Wedding

While "low-key" isn't typically associated with royal events, especially weddings, this one is relatively modest compared to past royal ceremonies. The invitations, printed in real gold ink, set the tone. Despite the high estimated costs, this wedding is less extravagant than previous royal weddings. It will take place at St. George's Chapel (capacity 800) within Windsor Castle, about an hour from London, rather than Westminster Abbey, which can accommodate 2,000 guests. Since Harry is further down the line of succession compared to his brother William, and the royal family is funding the event, fewer foreign dignitaries and British politicians are expected to attend. Notably, Donald Trump, Barack Obama, and Teresa May were reportedly not invited [source: Smith-Spark and Foster].

Harry and Meghan are adding a personal touch to their wedding by inviting 2,640 ordinary citizens to Windsor Castle to witness their arrival and departure. These fortunate attendees will enjoy $36,000 worth of tea and sausage rolls [source: Evans]! The location also marks a significant change from previous royal events — since it's not in London, there won't be a traditional carriage ride through the city streets after the ceremony. Instead, locals and visitors will witness a procession right after the wedding.

Despite the high costs of crowd control, security, and cleanup, the wedding is expected to generate more revenue than it costs. Experts estimate that Prince Harry and Meghan's wedding will bring in approximately $1.42 billion (£1.05 billion), largely due to a boost in tourism. For comparison, an additional 350,000 tourists visited the U.K. in April 2011 when Prince William married [source: MarketWatch].

Commemorative items like plates, pillboxes, T-shirts, tankards, and more are expected to generate millions in sales. Additionally, food and drinks purchased to celebrate the occasion will contribute significantly. British celebrants will buy countless bottles of Champagne and wine to toast the couple. Moreover, the global media coverage surrounding the wedding will keep England in the spotlight for travelers. Experts estimate the free advertising for Britain at $407 million (£300 million) and the boost to the fashion industry (thanks to interest in Meghan's wardrobe) at $200 million (£150 million) [source: MarketWatch].