Princess Beatrice digs cost £250,000

12 April 2012

Princess Beatrice's university digs have cost the taxpayer £250,000, it was revealed today.

The money was spent on redecorating a four-bedroom apartment at St James's Palace for her to use while studying at Goldsmiths College.

The 20-year-old, who started a three-year history of art course last September, moved into the apartment after a new kitchen and two new bathrooms were installed and a wood floor was laid in two reception rooms.

The bill has been condemned by campaign groups. Susie Squire of the Taxpayers' Alliance said: "Many taxpayers will find this unjustifiable, not least because Princess Beatrice does not carry out official engagements."

Graham Smith of the campaign group Republic added: "This bill eclipses any put in by MPs in their expenses. The level of scrutiny being given to MPs' expenses should apply to royal spending."

In the last year taxpayers have funded a series of official trips for royal family members including two tours by Prince Charles at a cost of £700,000 each.

A senior royal aide today defended the money spent on Beatrice's flat. "The apartment had been used by a member of household staff. It's a normal apartment which was on our list for improvements for some time.

"It coincided with the princess going to university in London."

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