Lord Noel's Reality Cheque

Whatto! Peeps.....

I was a little concerned when I read recently that our wonderful Prince's future Family in law were releasing scratch cards to raise extra money! It made me wonder whether the engaged couple too might be struggling to manage after they are married.

While William and Kate are reportedly planning to stay put in their remote North Wales cottage after the wedding next month, I certainly expect them to move into one of the more lavish palaces some time soon.

Yet, without their royal titles, what could the couple really afford?

Based on Prince William's salary of £37,170 from the RAF, which is the couple's only job-based income since Kate stopped working for her parents' company earlier this year, the couple could afford a mortgage of around £142,246.

If they remain living rural North Wales as reported, there are some real bargains available, with a three-bedroom semi-detached house near Llandudno Junction offering views over the rooftops to Conwy, the castle and hills beyond costing around £142,000.

In Cardiff they could afford a four-bedroom terrace house near the Millennium Stadium, while in Manchester their budget could get them a fifth floor flat with balcony in the new Green Quarter.

If they opted to stay closer to Windsor, the funds don't stretch as far and the couple would be limited to a two-bedroom bungalow which is a rebuilt mobile home.

In Westminster they could afford little more than a parking space close to Hyde Park.

Dashed lucky then, that Prince William (or rather "His Royal Highness Prince William Arthur Philip Louis of Wales, Royal Knight Companion of the Most Noble Order of the Garter") also receives income from the trust established on the death of their mother and from their father’s Duchy income! Phew!

Tallyho!
Best Wishes - Lord Noel