Royals defend Kensington Palace apartment repairs cost

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have paid for all furnishings, including carpets and curtains

The Royal Family has defended the refurbishment of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's Kensington Palace apartment, following reports it will cost the taxpayer about £4m.

Extensive work, including construction of a new roof, will be carried out.

The total cost has yet to be be confirmed by the royal household but it will be published next week.

A spokeswoman said there had previously been no running water and the couple had paid for all internal furnishings.

She added asbestos was removed and an overhaul of the electrics was carried out.

'Not extravagant'

Prince William and Catherine's London apartment was designed by Sir Christopher Wren and was the home of Princess Margaret and Lord Snowdon.

The princess remained there after their divorce and lived there until her death in 2002.

The living space was last refurbished in 1963.

The couple's spokeswoman said they wanted to ensure it was not "extravagant"

A spokeswoman for the couple said: "This is the duke and duchess's one and only official residence. It is here that they plan to stay for many, many years to come.

"We also had to take into account the fact that Kensington Palace is a scheduled ancient monument, and all elements of the refurbishment had to be agreed with English Heritage.

"The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge paid privately for all the internal furnishings, including carpets and curtains.

"They were also at pains to ensure that the specification is not extravagant."