The Cost of a Royal Wedding: Who Bears the Burden?

Royal weddings are extravagant events that capture the world's attention. But who ultimately pays for these grand celebrations? This article explores the financial aspects of royal weddings, examining the roles of both taxpayers and citizens of other countries in covering the expenses.

The Case of Prince Harry's Wedding

When Prince Harry and Meghan Markle got married, the wedding was categorized as a personal event rather than a state function. This distinction is crucial because it dictates who foots the bill. According to royal protocols, non-working royals like Prince Harry are responsible for financing their wedding expenses out of their personal fortunes. This is in line with the traditional practice within the royal family, where monies for personal family events are typically borne by the individual or their immediate family.

The Practices of Royal Weddings Across the Globe

Royal weddings in Britain serve as an exception to the general rule. Unlike in some other countries, taxpayers in the United Kingdom do not contribute to the costs of a royal wedding. However, this is not the case in every monarchy around the world. For instance, when Prince Frederick of Denmark married Mary Donaldson, the Danish royal family did issue invoices to citizens of other countries, as a way of sharing the financial burden somewhat.

Global Financial Responsibility

The principle of who pays for a royal wedding can have wider implications. In countries with monarchies, other than the United Kingdom, citizens of other nations sometimes receive invoices to help cover the costs of these elaborate events. This is particularly true when events involve visits from international heads of state or diplomatic activities. For instance, when a royal event takes place, citizens of other countries may be indirectly responsible through their government's diplomatic budget.

Examples and Exceptions

Consider the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton. The event was classified as a state function, and as such, some of the expenses were subsidized by the British government. The reasoning behind this is that crown weddings when they are deemed important enough to be state events, can have significant cultural and diplomatic ramifications. When royal weddings are not state functions, the royal family bears the full cost, as seen in the case of Prince Harry's wedding.

Recent Controversies

There have been recent debates and controversies surrounding royal weddings and their financial implications. When Princess Charlotte's cousin, Princess Beatrice, got married, there were discussions about whether the royal family should absorb the costs or if taxpayers should contribute. These discussions highlight the ongoing need for transparency and fair practices in royal finances.

Conclusion

In the United Kingdom, taxpayers do not contribute to the costs of a royal wedding. The responsibility falls primarily on the royal family. However, in other monarchies, citizens of other countries may be indirectly responsible for some of the costs, particularly in cases where the event has significant international diplomatic or cultural significance.