When Prince Harry and Meghan Markle tied the knot on May 19th, 2018, it was a royal affair to remember. The fairy-tale wedding was watched by millions of people worldwide, and the extravagant event left everyone wondering how much it cost.
Although the royal family is known for their lavish spending, the price tag of the wedding shocked many. With an estimated cost of £32 million, the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle was one of the most expensive weddings in history.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the different components that contributed to the wedding’s massive cost. From the venue to the decorations, the attire to the security, we’ll break down every expense, so you know exactly how much was spent on this royal affair.
So, if you’re curious to learn more about the cost of the royal wedding and discover some interesting facts along the way, keep reading!
The Royal Wedding Expenses
The royal wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle was an extravagant affair that captured the attention of the world. With such a grandiose event, it’s no surprise that the wedding expenses reached a staggering amount. The royal family is known for their grand weddings, and the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle was no exception. The total cost of the wedding was an estimated £32 million, which was paid for by the royal family.
With over 600 guests attending the wedding, one of the biggest expenses was undoubtedly the security measures. With the entire event being broadcasted worldwide, security was of utmost importance. The wedding security cost an estimated £30 million, which included everything from snipers to undercover police officers. In addition, extensive road closures and additional public transportation were put in place to ensure the safety of all guests and members of the public.
Another significant expense was the cost of decorations for the wedding. The entire Windsor Castle was decorated with beautiful flowers and plants. The floral arch at the entrance of the chapel was one of the most photographed elements of the wedding. The cost of decorations was estimated to be around £110,000.
Finally, the royal wedding carriage was another notable expense. The carriage was designed by the royal carriage maker, and it was used to transport the couple around Windsor after the wedding ceremony. The cost of the carriage was around £290,000.
Overall, the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle was a grand and luxurious affair, with no expense spared. The total cost of the wedding was jaw-dropping, but the couple and the royal family made sure that everything was perfect for the big day.
The Cost of Accommodation for Guests
Hotels: Many of the guests stayed at luxurious hotels around Windsor for the wedding weekend. The hotel bookings alone were estimated to cost over $2 million.
Security: Along with accommodations, the security for the guests was also provided by the royal family. The cost of security for the wedding weekend was estimated to be over $40 million.
Royal Residences: Some of the high-profile guests were accommodated in the royal residences. Frogmore Cottage, where the Duke and Duchess of Sussex now reside, was used to house some of the guests, including Meghan’s mother, Doria Ragland.
In addition to these expenses, the royal family provided transport for the guests from their accommodation to the wedding venue. These costs, along with the other wedding expenses, were borne by the royal family, and not by the taxpayers.
Guests: One of the biggest expenses for Prince Harry’s wedding was the travel cost of guests. The royal family invited more than 2,500 people from all over the world, including many high-profile celebrities. The cost of flights and accommodations for such a large number of guests was undoubtedly significant.
Royal Family: In addition to guests, the travel expenses of the royal family were also significant. With members of the royal family coming from all over the world, the cost of airfare and transportation was substantial. Some members of the royal family even chartered private planes to get to the wedding.
Security: It’s important to note that the cost of travel for guests and the royal family also includes security measures. In order to ensure the safety of everyone attending the wedding, extensive security measures were put in place, including security screenings and road closures.
Despite the high costs associated with travel, the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle was a spectacular event that brought people together from all over the world. The joy and excitement of the day made it worth the expense for many attendees and viewers alike.
Cost of Wedding Attire
One of the most talked-about aspects of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding was the attire of the bride, groom, and guests. The cost of the wedding attire was no small expense, with the bride’s dress alone estimated to have cost over $100,000.
In addition to the cost of the bride’s dress, Prince Harry’s military uniform and the bridesmaid and page boy outfits also added to the overall cost. The wedding party’s attire is estimated to have cost around $150,000.
The guests at the royal wedding were also dressed to impress, with many celebrities and high-profile individuals in attendance. The cost of their attire varied widely, with some guests opting for designer gowns and suits that cost tens of thousands of dollars.
Overall, the cost of the wedding attire for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding was a significant expense that added to the overall cost of the event.
Prince Harry’s Military Uniform
One of the most notable and unique aspects of Prince Harry’s wedding attire was his military uniform. As a former member of the British military, it was important for Prince Harry to wear his uniform on his wedding day. The uniform he wore was that of the Blues and Royals, a cavalry regiment of the British Army. The uniform was specially tailored by Dege & Skinner, a bespoke tailor based in Savile Row, London.
The cost of the uniform was estimated to be around £7,000, and it was paid for by Prince Harry himself. The uniform featured a single-breasted frockcoat made of blue doeskin, which was adorned with intricate gold details on the cuffs and shoulders. He also wore a pair of black trousers with a red stripe, a blue and white peaked cap, and a crossbelt made of leather and brass.
The significance of the uniform was not only a nod to Prince Harry’s military service but also to his family’s history of military service. Both Prince Harry’s grandfather, Prince Philip, and his uncle, Prince Andrew, wore military uniforms on their wedding days. Additionally, Prince William also wore a military uniform on his wedding day.
Prince Harry’s choice to wear his military uniform was also a reflection of his ongoing commitment to military causes. Since leaving the military, he has remained an active supporter of military veterans and their families through various philanthropic efforts.
Meghan Markle’s Wedding Dress
One of the most talked-about aspects of the royal wedding was the wedding dress worn by Meghan Markle. The stunning gown was designed by British designer Clare Waight Keller for Givenchy and featured a simple and elegant design with a boat neckline and three-quarter sleeves. The dress reportedly cost around $265,000.
In addition to the dress, Meghan also wore a veil that was embroidered with flowers from all 53 countries of the Commonwealth, as well as a tiara borrowed from Queen Elizabeth II. The tiara was made in 1932 and features a center brooch that was given to Queen Mary in 1893.
Overall, Meghan’s wedding day look was stunning and has become iconic in the world of fashion. Her dress and accessories were a major part of the overall cost of the wedding, but many would agree that the stunning design was worth every penny.
Following the wedding, the dress was put on display as part of an exhibition at Windsor Castle, where fans of the royal family were able to see it up close and admire the intricate details of the design.
The Cost of Security
One of the biggest concerns for any high-profile event is security, and the royal wedding was no exception. The security measures for the wedding were extensive, with a massive operation put in place to ensure the safety of the royal family, guests, and the public.
According to reports, the cost of security for the royal wedding was estimated to be around £30 million. This staggering amount covered a range of security measures, including the deployment of snipers, bomb disposal units, and surveillance drones.
The security measures for the royal wedding were deemed necessary due to the high-profile nature of the event and the number of high-profile guests in attendance. It was important to ensure that everyone in attendance was safe and that the wedding was a joyous and memorable occasion for all.
Despite the high cost of security for the royal wedding, it is clear that the safety and security of those in attendance was the top priority. With the right measures in place, everyone was able to enjoy the festivities without worrying about their safety.
Security Preparations for the Wedding
Comprehensive Security Plan: With the wedding attracting global attention, security was a top priority. The police had a comprehensive security plan, which included road closures, barriers, and security personnel, to ensure the safety of the guests and the public.
Estimated Cost: The security preparations for the wedding reportedly cost around $43 million. This amount covered the expenses of the police, the army, and the intelligence services.
Special Measures: To make sure that the wedding was safe and secure, the police had to implement several special measures. They had snipers, drones, and undercover police officers, and also used a facial recognition system to identify potential threats.
Despite the high cost of security, the wedding went off without any major incidents. The public was kept safe, and the guests had a memorable experience. The security preparations were a testament to the meticulous planning and execution that goes into making a royal wedding a success.
Cost of Police and Armed Forces Deployment
The royal wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle required a massive deployment of police and armed forces personnel to ensure security. The cost of the deployment was estimated to be in the millions of pounds.
The deployment included police officers, armed forces personnel, snipers, and bomb disposal units. The security measures also involved the use of barriers, bollards, and road closures to prevent vehicular attacks.
The cost of the deployment was borne by the government and was a subject of controversy. Some critics argued that the cost was too high, while others argued that the security measures were necessary to protect the royal couple and the public.
The Venue and Decoration Costs
The royal wedding was held at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle, which is estimated to have cost around £350,000 for the ceremony and reception. The venue’s decoration was kept simple and elegant with white flowers and greenery to complement the chapel’s natural beauty.
The cost of the floral arrangements was estimated to be around £110,000, with flowers sourced from the royal estates and locally grown blooms. The floral arrangements were designed by florist Philippa Craddock, who used white garden roses, foxgloves, and peonies, among other blooms.
In addition to the floral arrangements, there were other decorative elements that added to the overall cost, such as the large floral arches and the stunning cascading floral chandelier that adorned the reception venue at Frogmore House. It’s estimated that the decorative elements cost around £300,000 in total.
The Cost of St. George’s Chapel Rental
The cost of renting St. George’s Chapel for the royal wedding was a significant expense. The chapel is located on the grounds of Windsor Castle and is the traditional venue for royal weddings. The cost of the rental included the use of the chapel for the ceremony and any necessary preparations leading up to the event.
According to reports, the rental cost for the chapel was estimated to be around £300,000. This amount includes the cost of the chapel’s staff, who were responsible for preparing the venue for the wedding.
Although the rental cost may seem steep, it’s important to note that the chapel is a historic and prestigious venue. The chapel’s stunning architecture and rich history made it the perfect location for the royal couple’s special day.
Wedding Floral Arrangements Cost
The floral arrangements at Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding were a sight to behold. The couple had a variety of blooms to complement their wedding theme, which included peonies, roses, and foxgloves.
Flowers were used to decorate the chapel, reception venue, and the bridal party. The cost of floral arrangements can add up quickly, with prices depending on the types of flowers used and the number of arrangements needed. For example, a bridal bouquet of peonies can cost up to $400.
To minimize the cost, the couple chose seasonal flowers, and many of the arrangements were repurposed from the chapel to the reception venue. Additionally, they donated the flowers to charities after the wedding, which not only reduced the waste but also helped those in need.
Expenses for the Wedding Feast and Drinks
The cost of food and drinks for a royal wedding is always significant, and Harry and Meghan’s wedding was no exception. According to reports, the couple spent a considerable amount on the wedding reception, which included a sit-down dinner and canapés. Catering was one of the most significant expenses, with reports suggesting that the couple spent around $350,000 on food and drinks for their guests.
The couple also had a late-night party, which featured cocktails and an extensive selection of wines and champagne. They reportedly spent around $200,000 on the drinks alone. The selection of champagne included vintage bottles of Pol Roger, which was one of Winston Churchill’s favorites.
The wedding cake was also an essential part of the feast, and the couple spent around $50,000 on a lemon and elderflower cake with buttercream frosting. The cake was created by Claire Ptak, the owner of Violet Bakery in London. It was made with organic ingredients, including 200 Amalfi lemons, 500 eggs, and 10 bottles of elderflower cordial.
Cost of the Wedding Cake
The wedding cake is one of the most important items at any wedding, and Meghan and Harry’s was no exception. The cost of the cake was estimated to be around $50,000, which is a significant amount. The cake was designed by Claire Ptak and was made using organic ingredients, including 200 Amalfi lemons, 500 organic eggs, and 10 bottles of elderflower cordial. The cake was also decorated with fresh flowers and was a stunning centerpiece at the reception.
It’s worth noting that the cost of the wedding cake includes not only the ingredients but also the labor and skill required to make it. Creating a cake of this size and complexity is no easy task, and the cost reflects the time and effort that went into making it.
While some may argue that the cost of the cake was excessive, it’s important to remember that the wedding was a grand affair, and the cake was just one element of the overall celebration. For many, the cake was a symbol of the couple’s love and commitment to each other, and the cost was worth it for the memories and joy it brought.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the total cost of Prince Harry’s wedding?
The total cost of Prince Harry’s wedding was estimated to be around £32 million, according to reports. However, it’s important to note that this cost includes security, venue, catering, and other expenses.
How much did the venue rental cost for Prince Harry’s wedding?
The cost of renting St. George’s Chapel for Prince Harry’s wedding was not publicly disclosed, but it’s estimated to be around £350,000. This cost includes the use of the chapel, as well as the services of the church choir and the ringing of the church bells.
How much did the floral arrangements cost for Prince Harry’s wedding?
The cost of the floral arrangements for Prince Harry’s wedding was estimated to be around £110,000. The floral arrangements included white garden roses, peonies, and foxgloves, among other flowers, and were designed by Philippa Craddock.
How much did the wedding feast and drinks cost for Prince Harry’s wedding?
The cost of the wedding feast and drinks for Prince Harry’s wedding was estimated to be around £286,000. This cost includes the catering, which was provided by Table Talk and included a variety of dishes and desserts, as well as the drinks, which included Champagne and other beverages.
How much did the wedding cake cost for Prince Harry’s wedding?
The cost of the wedding cake for Prince Harry’s wedding was estimated to be around £50,000. The cake, which was designed by Claire Ptak, featured lemon and elderflower flavors and was decorated with fresh flowers.