People don’t like that the British royal family got an extra $56 million in funding while the economy is bad.
1. The Sovereign Grant pays for royal tasks and repairs to the house.
2. Critics say the rise is shocking because the budget is being cut.
Why is the British royal family getting more money?
The Sovereign Grant, which pays for the actions of the British royal family, will go up by more than $56 million in April 2025, making it a total of $165 million.
This rise has caused a lot of debate, especially since the U.K. government is already short on money. Some people say that the royal family’s private wealth could cover the costs, so the government wouldn’t need to pay for them.
What do you do with the sovereign grant?
The Sovereign Grant is mostly used to pay for the monarchy’s official tasks, like state dinners, foreign events, and keeping the royal houses in good shape.
Buckingham Palace’s renovation, which will cost $462 million and be complete by 2027, will receive a sizable portion of the funds.
But some people aren’t happy with how the public money is being spent during a tough economic time.
Why do critics say that the extra money is scandalous?
Graham Smith, CEO of the anti-monarchy group Republic, called the price hike “scandalous” and pointed out that the government is having a hard time paying for basic services like hospitals and schools.
Ian Pelham Turner, a royal expert, agreed with this and pointed out that many people are having a hard time paying for simple things like heating in the cold.
What do King Charles and Prince William have to do with it?
People are interested in King Charles and Prince William’s private lands, the Duchy of Lancaster and the Duchy of Cornwall, which are said to make public bodies millions of pounds.
Some people say that the royal family gets tax breaks while also renting out properties to businesses. The people are even more angry about this now that the sovereign grant has been raised.
What are the repairs at Buckingham Palace for?
Queen Elizabeth II’s official residence, Buckingham Palace, is getting a 10-year makeover to bring its old systems up to date.
Queen Elizabeth II initiated the project to safeguard the historic structure and ensure its continued use for another 50 years. Every year, millions of people visit the palace, which is also the site of important ceremonies.
How does the royal family explain the money?
Richard Fitzwilliams, a royal expert, supported the funding and claimed that the throne was a “bargain” at £1.29 per person. He talked about how important it was for boosting British “soft power” and getting the attention of the world’s media.
The palace repairs are proceeding as planned and within budget, and King Charles is personally funding the redecoration of his private room.
What is the King’s Grant?
- Pays for the royal family’s public tasks and upkeep of the house.
- In 2025, it went up by $56 million to $165 million.
- Some people say that private income could pay the costs.
- Backs the $462 million makeover of Buckingham Palace.
