Royal visit cost revealed

The visit of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and their son Prince George in April cost the taxpayer more than $1 million.

Prince William and Catherine spent 10 days touring New Zealand, in a visit which saw baby Prince George's first official function outside the UK.

The Department of Internal Affairs spent $1,035,000 on the royal visit.

Most of the $1 million budget went on personnel cost for the royals, with $425,000 spent on staff.

This was followed by accommodation, meals and other travel related costs at $132,000, vehicle hire at $108,000 and international travel at $102,000.

Security and general operating costs came in at $98,000, with Government hospitality ($89,000) and domestic air travel ($81,000) making up the cheaper items on the bill.

The provisional figures were released by the DIA today, which said the bill was "consistent with the cost of previous royal visits, taking into account the duration and itinerary".

The numbers had been rounded, the department said, and it was "possible some small costs may yet come in that have not been accounted for".

It also said the figures were for DIA costs only, and other agencies, such as defence or police, were not included.

Earlier this year Prime Minister John Key said he expected the royal tour to cost around $1.2 million.

- By Patrice Dougan of APNZ

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