$24,000 for a weekend sounds cheap compared to this

An article that details the spending of Britain's Royals. Spain's Queen Sofia not amused by Ryanair - Times Online

Queen Sofia flew on the discount airline, Ryanair. British Royalty are bit more extravagant.

The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall were criticised for spending a reported £330,000 when they flew to New York in a private jet in 2005. In April, the pair chartered a private jet costing an estimated £80,000 for a five-day tour of Europe to promote environmental issues.

Last year Prince Andrew hired a jet to travel across America at a cost of £118,440. Prince William caused controversy when it emerged that he had used an RAF Chinook helicopter to fly himself and his brother Prince Harry to a stag weekend on the Isle of Wight last year.

Sounds more like our political class.

I especially love the use of a private jet to promote environmental causes. Hey Charles, next time, take the train.

Note: Today the exchange rate is 1 British Pound Sterling = 1.59 US dollars.