B.C. spent more than $600K on royal tour; overall cost likely more than $3M
VICTORIA — British Columbia spent $613,363 on the royal tour last fall of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and their two young children.
The governments of Canada and Yukon have yet to announce their final bills. But the RCMP said it spent $2 million and the federal government’s budget estimate is $855,600, bringing the likely overall cost of the visit to more than $3.4 million.
While some taxpayers might cringe at the price tag, royal tours benefit Canadians in a number of ways, said royal historian Carolyn Harris.
“The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge raised the profile of Canadian charities and environmental initiatives over the course of their tour,” she said. “Royal tours of Canada receive global coverage and encourage travellers from around the world to visit.”