Kate Middleton and Prince William's $6.6 Million Kensington Palace Renovations Are "Not Extravagant"

Find out how the price tag has more than quadrupled

By Cinya Burton Jun 23, 2014 4:41 PMTags
Kensington Palace, Prince William, Kate MiddletonGetty Images

Last year, refurbishment on Prince William and Kate Middleton's home, Kensington Palace, cost a whopping $1.6 million and now according to reports, that number has more than quadrupled, reaching a grand total of $6.6 million. An official report is said to be released on Wednesday and will surely explain the additional $5 million in renovations.

A spokesperson for the royal couple confirmed the higher price tag, explaining: "This is the Duke and Duchess' one and only official residence. It is here that they plan to stay for many, many years to come. They were also at pains to ensure that the specification is not extravagant."

Indeed, Catherine was previously seen shopping for fixtures and décor for their estate at budget-friendly stores including Zara home. And although the U.K. Taxpayers will be footing the bill, a lot of the furnishings is said to come from Prince Charles.

Kate, Will and Prince George moved into massive four-story, 20-room abode in October 2013. The couple reside in Apartment 1A, which features five reception rooms, three main bedrooms, dressing rooms and bathrooms, a night and day nursery, staff bedrooms and "ancillary rooms," according to the The Express.

As for the couple's summer home, Anmer Hall, on Queen Elizabeth's Sandringham estate? That 10-bedroom mansion was a gift from the Queen and the royal family will pay for improvements privately.