WA government to pay for royal beach party

Taxpayers will foot the bill when Prince Charles and Camilla visit Western Australia next month, but the premier says it won't be a major expenditure.

Colin Barnett says there will be plenty of opportunities for the public to see the royal couple, but the prince's birthday event at Cottesloe Beach will be invitation only for people from government, the arts and sport.

He said it was unfortunate the new Elizabeth Quay riverside development, named in honour of the Queen, would not be complete by November, but the media coverage of the royal tour in the United Kingdom would benefit WA tourism.