The cost? In a word, highness

A WEDDING fit for a prince can generate a price tag to make King Midas blush.

The planned spring nuptials of Prince Harry and American actress Meghan Markle have already created a furor in London — a city that knows all too well what it costs to put on a “wedding of the century.”

The couple may have the option of seeking a venue outside the city, or tying the knot at one of the queen’s many residences, which would go a long way toward keeping costs down, experts said Monday.

The biggest expense will be security. Prince William’s wedding to Kate Middleton in 2011 cost $26 million in security alone.

That number could be even higher for Prince Harry, given that there have been several recent terrorist attacks in the British capital.

The upcoming wedding is also expected to be a public holiday in the United Kingdom, which equates to about $3 billion in lost productivity for the day off.

But any losses are short-lived and are more than offset by the economic gains associated with a royal wedding, both in tourism and merchandising.

The cost of the wedding itself — while hefty — pales in comparison to security charges.

Prince Charles shelled out $800,000 for flowers and $80,000 for two cakes in 2011.

Kate Middleton’s designer dress, estimated to cost $333,000, was reportedly paid for by her family.