Even with all Kate Middleton’s recycling, her clothing costs still come out to more than the average person makes in a year and she doesn’t even have to pay for it because her royal father-in-law Prince Charles is picking up the $54,000 tab. These are pretty high numbers for a duchess who’s been keen not to be labeled a fashion horse and doesn’t consider herself sartorially gifted anyway.
The Daily Mail crunched the numbers and will receive an even greater idea of Kate’s spending when Prince Charles opens up his financial accounts for the first time since paying for Prince William and Kate’s fairy tale wedding. Charles agreed to pay for any “work-related” outfits the duchess buys through his official Household budget. It seems fair since Charles rakes in $29 million a year thanks to his private estate and land holdings and poor William only makes about $68,000 as a helicopter pilot despite the generous 30th birthday inheritance from his mother. And, of course, Kate doesn’t have a money-making job.
In her defense, Kate does try to keep the prices down by buying from high street shops, but she’s also adamant about not getting freebies from designers and makes her staff pay full price for everything. “Kate has been amazed to find herself setting trends when she is not at all trendy herself,” a friend tells the Daily Mail. Now magazine reports she’s more a bargain hunter than a fashionista. “Carole is a true bargain-hunter,” a source tells Now. “She has always been very strict with her money and would never allow her daughter to be ripped off – so she taught her how to barter.”
I’m sure Charles appreciates his daughter-in-law’s passion for deals, especially since his ex-wife, Princess Diana, was more of a fashion trailblazer who delighted in wearing cutting edge designs despite the high costs. I actually don’t think the wardrobe costs are that large. Kate’s been making a lot of appearance lately and there are a lot of nuances that go into every look like earrings, pantyhose, shoes, hats, etc. That stuff adds up quickly. I wouldn’t be surprised if the numbers continue to double as she gets more comfortable in her role and with the media’s constant nitpicking.
Do you think Kate’s paying too much despite her appetite for recycling or do you want her to ditch the budget and start wowing us with some Diana-like fashion choices?
Photo Credit: Flynet UK/FameFlynet Pictures
