Prince William's three-day diplomatic mission to Saudi Arabia in February 2026 has been revealed as the Royal Family's most expensive overseas trip of the past year, costing £130,106, according to newly published royal accounts. The Prince of Wales's visit to the Gulf was the costliest foreign engagement undertaken by the monarchy during the latest financial year.
Figures released in the Sovereign Grant Report show total royal travel expenditure reached £3,316,024 in the 12 months to March 31, 2026, with overseas visits accounting for some of the biggest individual costs. The report also reveals that 37 individual journeys exceeded the reporting threshold of £20,000.
Top Five Most Expensive Royal Overseas Tours
1. Saudi Arabia – Prince William (£130,106)
Prince William's first official visit to Saudi Arabia topped the list at £130,106. The three-day trip in February 2026 was undertaken on behalf of the UK Government. During the visit, the Prince of Wales met Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman as part of efforts to strengthen diplomatic and economic ties. The total bill also included the cost of two advance planning visits by palace staff.
2. Italy – King Charles and Queen Camilla (£126,946)
The King and Queen's four-day state visit to Italy in April 2025 cost £126,946. The tour included official engagements across Italy aimed at strengthening the UK's relationship with a key European ally, featuring ceremonial events, meetings with Italian leaders, and cultural engagements. William's Saudi trip exceeded this cost by just over £3,000.
3. Brazil – Prince William (£78,542)
Prince William also claimed the third spot after travelling to Belem, Brazil, for the COP30 climate summit in November 2025. The two-day visit cost £78,542 and saw the future King continue his environmental work on the international stage, attending meetings linked to climate action and sustainability.
4. Vatican City – King Charles and Queen Camilla (£75,371)
The fourth most expensive overseas tour was the King and Queen's official visit to the Vatican in October 2025, costing £75,371. King Charles met Pope Leo XIV during a historic audience, highlighting the close relationship between the British monarchy and the Holy See. The engagement formed part of a wider visit to Rome.
5. USA and Bermuda – Royal Household Staff (£66,060)
Rounding out the top five was an advance planning mission by Royal Household staff to the United States and Bermuda in late February and early March 2026, costing £66,060. The expenditure covered reconnaissance and logistical planning ahead of a major royal visit. The cost of the tour itself has not yet been published and will appear in next year's Sovereign Grant accounts.
Overall Travel Spending and Cost-Saving Measures
The Royal Household spent £3,316,024 on official travel during the financial year. Royal helicopter travel cost £733,063, covering 177 flights. Buckingham Palace has confirmed the royal train will be retired by 2027 as part of efforts to reduce costs.
Among senior royals, King Charles undertook the highest number of reportable journeys, followed by the Princess Royal. Prince William completed four qualifying trips during the year, including two of the five most expensive overseas engagements.
