It’s utterly ridiculous - and I’m clearly not the only one who feels that way.
As of this week, more than 18,000 people had signed a petition calling for no taxpayers' money to be spent on Princess Eugenie’s imminent nuptials - and rightly so.
I’m certainly not happy that any of my hard-earned cash is being used to pay for the extravagant wedding of a minor royal and a non-working one at that.
Twenty-eight-year-old Eugenie, the daughter of the Duke and Duchess of York, is due to marry fiancé, Jack Brooksbank on October 12 at St George’s Church at Windsor Castle.
The pair will then embark on an unnecessary carriage ride to wave at well-wishers.
It has been reported that this little addition to the itinerary will bump up the security bill for the wedding - for which the public are expected to pay - to around £2 million.
What an absolute waste of precious public money.
Who on earth does this girl think she is?
Five months ago Prince Harry married Meghan Markle in quite an all-bells-and-whistles affair.
Again, us taxpayers were forced to take a hit so the royal family could have a booze up and now, again, we are being asked to foot the bill so the ninth in line to the throne and her guests can be protected. Absolutely ludicrous.
Does this woman have any idea how many doctors for the NHS that £2 million could pay for or how much of a difference that amount could make to an already ailing education system?
Parents are already finding themselves under increasing pressure as they are being asked to fork out for basic stationery for their children for the classroom.
Soon, they’ll be asked to send in toilet rolls but yeah sure, Eugenie, take a wee jaunt in a carriage, it’s no problem, waste our money, we don’t mind visiting the food bank to survive.
Andrew and Fergie, the bride’s parents, are rightly funding some of the wedding costs but in my opinion that should mean the whole thing - security and all.
At a time when public money is so stretched, Eugenie and the royals should think twice about adding to that pressure just so they can put on a bit of a show.
As a licence fee payer, I’m pleased the BBC turned down the chance to broadcast this non-event.
Now, all taxpayers' money must be withdrawn.
Yes, Eugenie deserves her special day but not at the expense of Joe Public.
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There was sad news from the land of television this week, with the death of Geoffrey Hayes.
Aged 76, the television legend was best known as the wonderful presenter of children’s programme, Rainbow.
I just loved this pre-school show, which featured Geoffrey along with colourful characters Zippy, George and Bungle who lived at Rainbow House.
The show ran from 1974 to 1992 - more than 1,000 episodes - and as a devoted fan, I saw many of them.
I remember Geoffrey for his soft tones and gentle way and I’m sure his contribution to countless childhoods like mine will never be forgotten.
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Competition
With Halloween school holidays just around the corner, how do you fancy winning tickets to take the kids to see the latest animated comedy adventure?
Smallfoot tells the story of Migo, a friendly Yeti whose world gets turned upside down when he discovers something that he didn't know existed - a human.
He soon faces banishment from his snowy home when the rest of the villagers refuse to believe his fantastic tale.
Hoping to prove them wrong, Migo embarks on an epic journey to find the mysterious creature that can put him back in good graces with his simple community.
Smallfoot, which features the voices of stars including Channing Tatum, James Corden, Zendaya, LeBron, and Danny DeVito, arrives at Movie House Cinemas on October 12.
I have two family passes to give away to see Smallfoot at Movie House Cinema.
If you fancy winning a pass, simply email your name, address and telephone number – along with the answer to the question below – to competitions@irishnews.com
Closing date for entries is 12 noon on Tuesday, October 9, 2018
(Q) What date does Smallfoot arrive at Movie House Cinemas?
Normal Irish News Rules Apply
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The winners of the A Star is Born competition are Beverley McGurgan, from Gilford, Alice McCormick, from Crossgar, and Brendan Lemon, from Lisburn.
