I don't know if it was done in this case because the hype was all about pomp and showing off, but in many cultures and communities, for big events like weddings, big anniversaries, etc. the parties would announce that a substantial contribution was made to honor the event to a needy charity. >
I think you guys are getting way to hung up on the cost thing, firstly, all the hardware and pariphenalia is in place for the wedding in any case, the soldiers are already paid and it costs no more to have them do their thing on the wedding day, the changing of the guard and all that ceremonial stuff takes place on a regular basis all year round and is more than paid for by the tourist revenue, millions visit London just to see it....its a very lucrative business, the royal coaches, buildings, are all in place, Westminster Abbey is there waiting as were all the clergy and staff, choirs and musicians....it is what they exist for....now you could object to all that and abolish the lot, but what an impoveished countyry England would be, and what would be the benefit?
The major royals are in a nightmare situation from my perspective, 24/7 news scrutiny, but they handle it well and they earn their money for UK PLC, the minor royals and hangers on are a different matter, and we could do with less of them for sure
You can see from the coverage that the British Monarchy still has massive popular appeal here ( I think its all theatrical BS personally but people love it), they unite the nation and perform a valuable function imo, the money that the royals get is pretty irrelevant imo, they cant put a foot wrong lest the media reports it, I wouldnt swap.
But most of all, this is our version of Holywood, its a business and the world loves it, it brings in loads of money and gives the UK a unique identity....forget the cost, thats a non-issue in the big picture, they pay their way
