The wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle on May 19, 2018, at St. George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle was a grand affair that was watched by millions around the world. It was a day filled with love and joy for the couple, as well as for the people of the United Kingdom and beyond. However, one question that was on the minds of many people was, who paid for the wedding?
As expected, the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle was not cheap. The fact that it was a royal wedding meant that the cost of the wedding would be high. However, there were speculations that the couple paid for some aspects of the wedding, while others believed that the royal family would foot the bill. So, who actually paid for the wedding?
The Royal Family Paid for the Wedding
The official announcement was made by the royal family that they would pay for the wedding. This had been the norm for all royal weddings, and it was no different for this special event. As customary with royal weddings, the royal family covers all expenses related to the wedding ceremony, including flowers, music, decoration, and reception, among other things.
It was estimated that the cost of the wedding would be around £32 million, which is quite a hefty sum. This included everything from the cake, the florist, the catering, and security. While this amount might seem excessive to some, the wedding of a member of the royal family is always a grand affair, and as such, all costs are taken into account.
Who Paid for What?
While the royal family covered the bulk of the expenses, there were some aspects of the wedding that were paid for by the couple. For example, Meghan Markle’s wedding dress was believed to have been paid for by the bride herself. The dress was a stunning, elegant creation designed by Givenchy’s Clare Waight Keller, and it was made of pure white silk.
Meghan’s wedding reception dress, a halter-neck, fishtail Stella McCartney gown, is also thought to have been paid for by the bride. The couple also reportedly paid for their honeymoon, which was a private affair in a secret location.
There were also some charitable contributions made to the cost of the wedding. For example, the flowers used to decorate St. George’s Chapel were donated to local charities after the wedding ceremony, and the couple requested that donations be made to seven selected charities in lieu of gifts.
Why Do the Royals Pay for Their Weddings Themselves?
The tradition of the royal family paying for their weddings is not new. It has been in place for centuries, and it is considered a way of preserving their integrity and reputation. By paying for their own weddings, members of the royal family are demonstrating their commitment to their country and their people.
It is also a way of showing that they are not above normal society when it comes to the cost of weddings. Instead, they are willing to pay for their own weddings as a way of setting an example for the rest of the nation. This shows that they are responsible and mindful of the public’s opinion of them.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle was a grand affair that was enjoyed by millions around the world. While the cost of the wedding was estimated to be around £32 million, the bulk of the expenses were borne by the royal family.
As tradition dictates, the royal family was responsible for covering all the expenses related to the wedding ceremony, including the flowers, music, decoration, and reception. However, the couple did pay for some aspects of the wedding, such as Meghan’s wedding and reception dresses, honeymoon, and charitable contributions.
The tradition of the royal family paying for their own weddings is not new, and it is considered a way of setting an example for the rest of the nation. By paying for their own weddings, members of the royal family are showing that they are mindful and responsible for the public’s opinion of them.
FAQ
Do taxpayers pay for Harry and Meghan?
Yes, taxpayers do pay for Harry and Meghan to some extent. The funding comes primarily from the Sovereign Grant, which is money provided by the UK government to the royal family for their official duties. This grant covers the costs of maintaining royal residences, paying staff, and covering travel expenses.
However, Harry and Meghan announced in early 2020 that they would be stepping back from their duties as senior members of the royal family and would become financially independent. This means that they would no longer be relying on the Sovereign Grant to support their lifestyle.
Despite this, it is important to note that the couple will still receive some funding from the Sovereign Grant for certain activities, such as official engagements on behalf of the royal family. However, the exact amount of money that Harry and Meghan will receive from the Sovereign Grant going forward is not yet known.
Additionally, it is worth mentioning that Prince Charles has also provided financial support to his son and daughter-in-law. In 2018, Charles paid for Harry and Meghan’s wedding and subsequently provided them with “a substantial sum” to support their transition to financial independence.
While taxpayers do contribute to the funding of Harry and Meghan, the couple is making efforts to become financially independent and will no longer be relying solely on the Sovereign Grant to support their lifestyle.
Do Harry and Meghan pay for their own security?
Yes, Harry and Meghan pay for their own security. According to a statement from their spokesperson, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex personally fund a private security team for their family. This means that the cost of their security is not borne by British taxpayers. It’s worth noting, however, that their private security cannot replicate the necessary police protection needed while the couple is in the UK.
After stepping back from their senior royal duties in early 2020, Harry and Meghan moved to North America. There, they have been able to focus on their charity work and start developing their own brand. However, they still require high levels of security due to their previous high-profile status as working members of the royal family.
In January 2020, just before they announced their decision to step back as senior members of the royal family, it was reported that the couple had hired a new security team to look after them in Vancouver, Canada. They reportedly paid around $10,000 per day for an elite team of guards.
It’s clear that security is still a priority for Harry and Meghan, and they are willing to fund it themselves. This is admirable, as it shows a sense of responsibility and independence. By paying for their own security, they are relieving the burden on the British taxpayers and setting a positive example.
How much did Harry inherit from the Queen?
Based on available information, it is unclear how much Prince Harry has inherited from the Queen. According to representatives who spoke with Forbes in 2021, Harry was not a beneficiary of any part of the $100 million left to the royal family by his great-grandmother, the Queen Mother. It is also not yet known if Harry was left any money by his grandmother Queen Elizabeth II, whose will is expected to remain sealed for at least 90 years.
Inherited wealth is often a private matter, and it’s possible that Harry has received or will receive gifts or legacies from other family members. However, his decision to step back from his senior royal duties in early 2020, which he announced with his wife Meghan Markle, may also have influenced his financial circumstances.
As part of the agreement they reached with the royal family, the couple agreed to no longer receive public funding for their official duties. This likely included Harry’s regular allowance from the Sovereign Grant, which is funded by taxpayers in the UK and is used to support the official duties of the monarch and some other members of the royal family. However, it is uncertain to what extent this decision may have affected Harry’s personal finances.
It’s important to note that while Harry is a member of the royal family, he is not directly in line to the throne. As such, he may not have access to the same level of resources and assets as some of his more senior relatives. without more information, it is impossible to determine how much Harry has inherited from the Queen or other members of his family.
