The monarchy's core funding is set to double to £100 million, a significant increase amid broader economic constraints. This announcement coincides with news that the refurbishment of Buckingham Palace is currently costing £369 million, yet the King and Queen do not plan to reside there upon completion.
Royal Work Ethic Under Scrutiny
Former MP Norman Baker's research reveals that Prince William has undertaken only 57 royal engagements so far this year, compared to 76 by King Charles III, who is 77 and battling cancer. Princess Anne leads with 100 engagements. These figures have sparked debate about whether the royal family's funding model encourages dependency rather than work.
Marina Hyde, a Guardian columnist, questions the sustainability of the current system: "Does the royal economy need rebalancing, if it is simply impossible to own an absolutely vast private network of land and high-end properties without somehow still needing a top-up from the state?"
Comparisons to Welfare System
The doubling of core funding has drawn comparisons to the welfare system. Hyde notes that Prince William's engagement count would likely result in sanctions under standard welfare rules. "By rights William would have quite a sticky call with his Jobcentre Plus work coach, and would be more likely to pick up a sanction than a doubling of benefits," she writes.
William's focus on mental health is highlighted, with Hyde speculating that he might be among the 1.3 million working-age adults unable to work due to mental health reasons. However, she also points out that William paid £7.76 million in tax last year, while the King paid £12.9 million, placing him in the top 100 UK taxpayers.
Private Finances and Tax Avoidance
The revelation of William's tax payments comes with opaque deductions, raising questions about transparency. Hyde criticizes the complexity of the UK tax code, which at over 23,000 pages is the longest in the world, enabling avoidance by the wealthy. "Every time I read a stat like that I wish to offer a personal note of thanks to every chancellor... who ballooned Britain's tax code... and made it a charter for avoidance," she writes.
The Royal Brand and Public Cost
The royal family is often seen as a valuable brand asset, justifying funding increases through soft power and tourism. However, Hyde argues that a less extravagant funding model could still deliver these benefits. She questions how Charles's "slimmed down" monarchy now costs twice as much as the previous one.
The article also references a reported remark by Prince Andrew, complaining that other royals have it easier. According to tech author Evgeny Morozov, Andrew said in Jeffrey Epstein's mansion: "In Monaco, Albert works 12 hours a day, but at 9pm, when he goes out, he does whatever he wants, and nobody cares. But, if I do it, I'm in big trouble."
Conclusion
The debate over royal funding touches on broader issues of work, welfare, and tax fairness. As the monarchy's budget doubles, questions remain about the value and accountability of the institution.
