HOLLYWOOD—Last year we had one of the richest Oscar-inspired weddings, where Lady Gaga performed. The son and daughter of two of the richest families in Russia were married in a $10 million ceremony in Los Angeles. Miss Lolita Osmanova, 22, daughter of the Russian energy oligarch Eldar Osmanov, married 29-year-old Gaspar Avdolyan, the son of the telecoms millionaire Albert Avdolyan, at the Dolby Theatre-the venue that hosts the Academy Awards.

The event was arguably even more lavish than the Academy Awards, with $500,000 worth of flowers, violinists, dance performances, red carpet dresses, performances from Lady Gaga and Jason Derulo, and even stars on the floor featuring the names of guests. Guests were treated to a stunning scene of violinists when they walked into the venue. Who would think that any wedding could top this one?

 

Well, when Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s royal wedding took place on May 19, it racked up a royal price tag of reportedly $45 million. Despite the steep total, that’s nothing compared to the price of the late Princess Diana and Prince Charles’ ceremony back in 1981, which cost $110 million, according to published reports. The biggest chunk of money didn’t go to the venue, dress or decor-it went to keeping the celebrants, guests, and public safety. About $40 million went to security for the big day.

Compare that to the roughly $32 million of security William and Kate had for their big day at Westminster Abbey. The groom’s role in the military also influenced the need for security. Also, the heightened threat levels to the U.K., following a series of events. So who is paying for security costs? Taxpayers, that’s who, according to The Independent. The Royal Family would cover the wedding, church service, flowers, decorations, the associated music, and the reception afterwards. It’s possible that the bride picked up the bill for her wedding gown, which was a custom design by Givenchy Haute Couture. The dress reminded me of Jennifer Lopez in the film “The Wedding Planner.” The price of the dress remains unconfirmed. Though Kate Middleton’s gown was rumored at $400,000.

So how did Prince Harry meet Meghan Markle? It was through a mutual friend, who set them up on a blind date. London-based Ralph Lauren PR director Violet von Westenholz dad is a baron, and she’s been a member of the trusted inner circle of Prince Harry for years. The prince apparently confided in von Westenholz about his dating woes. She was also friends with Meghan, who had been a part of the London social scene and had slotted into high society. So the PR director eventually told the Prince that she might have just the girl for him. It was a blind-date. Needless to say, the divorced, 36-year-old, was to become a Cinderella in real life, she became the Duchess of Sussex. Reportedly, on their third date they spent over a week in Africa together. She didn’t bring tons of luggage, she just brought a backpack which the Prince loved.

The engagement ring Harry gave Markle consists of a large central diamond from Botswana, with two smaller diamonds from the jewelry collection of his mother, Diana, Princess of Wales. Following the engagement, Markle announced she would retire from acting. She also began the years-long process of becoming a British citizen.

It was a Who’s Who at the royal wedding, including Serena Williams and Oprah Winfrey. The Beckhams, David and Victoria, Geroge and Amal Clooney, Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York, were all in attendance  and Sir Elton John sang at the wedding. Get this, both Prince Harry’s major exes, Cressida Bonas and Chelsy Davy, attended his royal wedding to Markle. They delayed their honeymoon to celebrate Prince Charles’ 70th birthday celebration at Buckingham Palace on May 22. Fairytales do come true!

Rose’s Scoop: Kim Kardashian sent new mom Chrissy Teigen a huge flower bouquet, she just welcomed her second child with John Legend. Welcome Miles.