Kate Middleton and Prince William were sent to British Columbia and the Yukon Territory by Queen Elizabeth as part of their Royal duties. It wasn’t all work for the Cambridges – it cost Canadian citizens over $850,000 for the Duke and Duchess’s Royal visit.
Prince George and Princess Charlotte accompanied Kate and William to Canada, the Cambridges first Royal tour as a family of four. And an expensive tour it was: more like a luxury vacation. VICE News was able to get the final figures.
What did William and Kate spend the $850,000 on? According to Heritage Canada figures, the couple spent approximately $13,000 on what was deemed hospitality. Hospitality, apparently, covers flowers and refreshments. No specifics were given on the flowers and food.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau presented Kate Middleton and Prince William with a $500 gift for the Royal Family. Another $2,000 was spent on something called a legacy gift. No specifics on what either of these gifts might have been.
Other expenses incurred by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge while visiting Canada with Prince George and Princess Charlotte include: media room rentals and travel – $20,000. Another $20,000 was spent on an official photographer. That amount didn’t include photo albums and group photos. Thank you, Canada, another $5,000 was spent on those items.
The list goes on and on – $10,000 spent to translate the media guide into both English and French; $30,000 for translation of “programmes, dailies, web, etc.” Prince William and Kate Middleton need to travel with an entourage and Canadians picked up the tab to the tune of $50,000 for the Cambridge’s 16 staff members and Department of National Defence drivers. Add to that a $16,000 per diem for the Royal household.
Transportation costs incurred by William, Kate, George and Charlotte included $50,000 for two float planes and $5,000 for a boat in Haida Gwaii. Canadians also footed the bill for the three advance trips Kate and William’s staff members made prior to the Royal tour. The total costs for the three scouting trips came to about $160,000.
Citizens of British Columbia and the Yukon Territory were thrilled when Kensington Palace announced that Kate Middleton, Prince William, Prince George and Princess Charlotte would visit. After the final bill has been tallied, how excited are Canadians to learn they paid out $850,000 for the privilege? Check out CDL for all your royal news and updates!
Image credit to Kensington Royal // via Instagram