Remember a couple of months ago when British students were protesting the government’s plan to make higher education budget cuts?

How about a few weeks ago, when people rioted in London over proposed public spending cuts? No? That’s because the PR spin machine behind William and Kate’s wedding has been working to hard to make the outside world believe the Brits care about nothing else.

And now we learn what this Royal Wedding is going to cost the country that was just making budget cuts.

Here’s the breakdown:

* Security: $32 million. The British taxpayers are on the hook for this. Thousands of police officers will be stationed along the bridal procession route and military personnel will also be protecting visiting foreign royals and dignitaries.

* Wedding Ring: $11,000. Prince William opened up his own wallet to buy Kate a simple but elegant gold band. Of course he didn’t have to fork out for an engagement ring. He gave Kate the one worn by his late mother, Princess Diana. It is now valued at $1 million.

* Receptions: $600,000. The Queen is hosting a luncheon reception immediately after the wedding for 600 of the estimated 1,900 who will attend the ceremony. A lucky 300 guests have been invited to the dinner reception hosted by the father of the groom.

* Wedding Gown: $434,000. Kate’s parents are paying for her gown, reportedly designed by Sophie Cranston, plus additional outfits she’ll wear to the receptions.

* Wedding Cake: $80,000. Prince Charles is writing the check for the two cakes — traditional cream for Kate and white fruit cake for William. That works out to $134 per slice!

* Flowers: $800.000. The Queen and Prince Charles are sharing the tab to adorn Westminster Abbey and Buckingham Palace.

* Cleaning: $64,000. The British taxpayers get to pay for cleaning up after the one million people who are expected to come out and witness the big day.

Add to that the fact that, Good Friday and today, “Easter Monday” are both recognized holidays in the UK, as is the Prince’s wedding day this Friday, a lot of Brits are taking a full week off of work… which some experts say could cost the British economy $50 million.

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