The ‘real' Royal palaces

A ‘rebuilt mobile home' in Windsor, a three-bedroom semi in St Andrews, or a parking space in Westminster - that's what Prince William and Kate Middleton could really afford to buy as their marital home if they depended solely on their salaries and no Royal allowances, according to new research from Santander Mortgages.

Based on Prince William's salary of £37,170 from the RAF, which is the couple's only job-based income since Miss Middleton left her job working for her parents' company earlier this year, the couple could afford a mortgage of £142,2464. Santander Mortgages searched for properties of this value across the country to see what was on offer for the Royal couple and found a less than regal selection of potential homes.

If they decide to live in rural North Wales as reported, there are some real bargains available, with a three-bedroom semi-detached house near Llandudno Junction offering views over the rooftops to Conwy, the castle and hills beyond costing around £142,000.

If they opted to stay closer to Windsor, the couple would be limited to a two-bedroom bungalow which is a rebuilt mobile home. In Westminster they could afford little more than a parking space close to Hyde Park.