Prince William Will Have Most Expensive Wedding of All Time -- And Guess Who's Paying?

By Rob Shuter Posted Nov 22nd 2010 11:45AM

Although no date has been officially confirmed yet, the costs of putting on a royal wedding for Prince William and Kate Middleton next year have already started to add up, leading many to confirm this will be the most expensive celebrity wedding of all time.

"When all is said and done, this wedding will likely cost the British taxpayers over $20 million dollars," a royal insider tells me. "It will be the biggest wedding of all time, even bigger than William's mum, Diana's -- and the price will be bigger, too."

We are no strangers to expensive celebrity weddings. Back in 1991, when Elizabeth Taylor married construction worker Larry Fortensky at Michael Jackson's Neverland Ranch, the estimated cost was $2 million. A similar price tag was put on Tom Cruise's magical wedding in 2006 to Katie Holmes -- Italy's 15th-century Odescalchi Castle outside Rome did not come cheap, and neither did Katie's off-the-shoulder silk gown, which was personally designed for her by Giorgio Armani. Not to be outdone, Elizabeth Hurley's 2007 wedding to Arun Nayar cost more than $2.5 million, with extravagant, around-the-world festivities spanning over a week.

Surprisingly, former Beatle Paul McCartney and now-ex-wife Heather Mills' wedding ranks as the second most expensive celebrity wedding with a price tag of over $3 million for the affair in Ireland.

However, William and Kate's costs will crush the estimated $3.5 million record-holders, Liza Minnelli and David Gest, who said "I do" in 2002 in New York City.

"You really can't compare this wedding to any other celebrity's," a Hollywood insider tells me. "The only other couple in the world that might even come close is if Brad and Angelina got married, but even then this will be bigger."

William, said to be concerned about the extravagance of his wedding in a time of such high unemployment in Britain, need not worry as the amount of tourism money and other related earnings this special day will bring into the country will be ... yes, priceless.

See a video of Rob speaking with 'Extra' about the royal wedding.

PopEater hit the street to gauge reactions on the royal engagement:

Tags: Kate Middleton, Prince William, royal wedding

Comments

(29)

Monday 22 November

By Marcia

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Why should any American care what their wedding costs? We are not paying for it, the Brits are. If they don't care, why should we?

By Bob

These two folks have lived together as 'husband' and 'wife' for several years now. Perhaps do what Prince Charles and his present wife did (have a 'small' wedding, blessed by the Church of England), and donate the money they apparently plan spending on a lavish ceremony to its country's poor!
However, being an American, I respectfully defer to the British people on what they want their monarchy to do in this situation.

By Kathy

This is amazing, as not too long ago, didn't the Queen ask for Britians Government to help defray the cost of heating at the Castle? Of course, Kate's(Catherine)parents are suppose to pick up the cost of their daughter's wedding, as was tradition, but in marrying a Prince, I would believe the Royals would defray the cost as they want notariety and a Regal Function, as is their tradition, so the rehearsal dinner would be on Kate's family at best and/or the engagement party? Congratulations to Prince William and Kate on their nuptials, may God Bless them with true happiness, honesty and an unconditional love always!
Noting Prince Williams glances at his future bride, he truly loves her and she him, but I do see a fear in his eyes too, perhaps seeing his parents' scandals, he's not as trusting and standoffish! From Prince Williams words, he keeps mentioning that they will be married for life, this is his shield! I do wish them a lifetime of happiness and joy always.

By kelly williamson

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Jealous much???? of what?these people are pigs.and you are one of these sad royal worshippers with a cheap set of dusty chuck and di plates hanging in your 1970,s tacky kitchen?get real!

By valmont

Its called CULTURE.
Seems you have to tight a "grip"

Sunday 28 November

By yrng2bfree

The royal family are figure heads of the country they once ruled and they play an important role in the traditions therein. The country is run by Parliament The Brits like their history and are proud of their heritage and country.

The young couple should just have a small private wedding with invite family and friends .There will be no huge tourism dollars and therefore no reason to waste millions just for security. a small intimate wedding in in order-To do more would just invite the terrorist to kill millions in the streets. Times have certainly changed since DI and Fergie married and did all that hoop la la help them live happily ever after. These two are young and intelligent, already living together. I just hope they are smart enough to keep it small. Televise if the public demands but no street spectacle please.

Friday 11 February

By Carl

Wow and I thought Obama was an idiot..Let these rich idiots flip the bill for this circus..I think they can afford it..Snobs..

Sunday 20 February

By brian

I HAVE BEEN WITH HIS FUTURE WIFE AND SHE AINT WORTH THE PRICE TAG!!!!!!!!

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