Prince William and Harry's 'royal allowance'

Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, and Prince Harry receive an allowance from their father, Prince Charles. Photo / Getty

News of Prince William and his family holidaying in one of the world's most exclusive ski resorts earlier this week raises the question of just how much money lines the royals' pockets.

The British palace has revealed what the lifestyles of William, Kate and Harry cost, and that it's Prince Charles who largely foots the bill.

An allowance of $6.8 million a year each is paid to William and Harry by their father, Charles, to cover the costs of staffing, travel and the official wardrobes of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.

The future king affords his lifestyle by drawing an income from Duchy of Cornwall, a vast estate gifted to the heir to the throne to fund both his official and private livelihoods.

William and Kate with their children, Princess Charlotte, right, and Prince George, enjoy a short private break skiing in the French Alps. Photo / AP

According to an annual report, that income in the year to March 31 was $46.5 million.

A palace source speaking to People magazine said: "We can't identify how much of it is allocated to their office." Unlike in previous years, they were also unable to break down specific costs, such as Kate's wardrobe bill.

The $6.8 million figure doesn't account for refurbishment costs at William and Kate's Anmer Hall home nor does it cover wages paid to the couple's personal staff.

While much of their major travel is covered by the countries they visit, William's week-long tour to Japan and China this year cost $163, 000 in scheduled flights and his trip to New York with Kate last December came to just under $40,000.

Prince Harry and his staff also paid $135,000 for flights - scheduled and chartered - to Brazil and Chile last June.

- nzherald.co.nz