“Extravagant” and “fairytale like” are the words most commonly used to describe royal weddings. Royal weddings are attended by the world’s VIPs and elite, feature the most beautiful gowns, display iconic heirloom and are starred by the most fascinating grooms and brides. No wonder they’re most awaited by billions of people around the world.
However, pulling off fairytale-like weddings is not an easy feat. Royal weddings require careful planning to effectively manage thousands of guests with plenty of VIPs, get sought-after designers for wedding dresses, serve gourmet food and wine, and effectively organize a team of security. But most of all, it involves a lot of money.
Ever wonder whose British royal family member wedding is the most expensive? Here is the list of the most expensive British royal weddings of all time.
1. Prince Arthur and Catherine of Aragon ($1.2 million, adjusted for inflation)
Henry VII’s son, Prince Arthur, wed Catherine of Aragon, daughter of Ferdinand II of Aragon and Isabella I of Castile, in 1501. The celebration took two weeks, and a fountain of wine was constructed in St. Paul’s Cathedral just for the celebration. The royal couple wore gold-matching wedding outfits. The wedding was considered to be one of the most lavish during the medieval age, amounting to $1.2 million in today's money.
2. Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank ($3.5 million)
Prince Andrew and Duchess of York Sarah Ferguson’s daughter, Princess Eugenie, married wine and brand ambassador Jack Brooksbank in 2018. Princess Eugenie is ninth in line to the British throne, and so her wedding need not be as extravagant. Nevertheless, it still came at a hefty cost. The wedding was estimated to cost around $3.5 million. The majority of the expenses were allocated to security.
3. Prince William and Kate Middleton ($34 million)
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge spent an estimated amount of $34 million for their wedding day. Most of the budget went to security, which cost $32 million. Other expenses were $600,000 for the luncheon and dinner receptions; $434,000 for Kate Middleton’s Alexander McQueen wedding dress; $80,000 for the wedding cake; $800,000 for flowers; $64,000 for cleaning fees; and $11,000 for the bride’s wedding ring.
4. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle ($43 million)
Prince William and Kate’s wedding tag price was quite extravagant, but it is nothing compared to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s wedding cost. While the wedding was low key, the royal couple’s wedding expenses was estimated to be $43 million. As with other royal weddings, the largest chunk of the budget went to keeping the royal family, VIPs, celebrities and the public safe.
The hefty tag price raised few eyebrows, but Kensington Palace assured the public that the royal family paid for the core expenses, like the ceremonial services. Meghan, with a net worth of $5 million, paid for her wedding dress designed by Givenchy. Prince Harry and Meghan’s wedding may be too expensive, but the wedding increased Britain’s economy by $600 million.
5. Prince Charles and Princess Diana ($110 million, adjusted for inflation)
The time froze for a moment for Prince Charles and Princess Diana’s wedding in 1981. The wedding set the lavish trend for modern-day royal weddings. It came with a jaw-dropping price of $70 million in today’s money or $110 million, if adjusted for inflation.
Two million people flocked to St. Paul’s Catherdral to witness the union of Prince Charles and Princess Diana. Around 750 million were glued to their small screens to watch one of the most lavish weddings of the century.
6. Margaret of York and Charles the Bold of Burgundy ($200 million, adjusted for inflation)
The modern-day royal weddings are all inexpensive and ordinary when compared to the wedding of Margaret of York and Charles the Bold of Burgundy in 1468. The bride wore a crown covered in authentic pears and diamonds, while both royal couple wore ornate clothes.
The nuptials of Margaret of York and Charles the Bold of Burgund cost around $200 million in today’s money. The wedding cerebration lasted for days and included pageants, large banquets and parades. There were fountains of wines available all day and night.
What do you think of the most expensive British royal weddings?
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