992: Royals | Skeptical Sunday

Public Funding

The British Royal Family's funding is a complex system involving public money, primarily through the Sovereign Grant. Andrew Gold explains that this grant is an annual payment made to the monarch by the government, sourced from the profits of the Crown Estate, which includes lands and holdings owned by the monarch 1. This grant covers official expenses like receptions, property maintenance, and staff costs, while security costs are separately funded by public money 1. Jordan Harbinger highlights the public's concern over the high costs, such as King Charles III's coronation, which cost £100 million 2.

The sovereign grant is calculated as a percentage of the profits made by the crown estate. So the crown estate is a collection of lands and holdings in the United Kingdom owned by the monarch.

--- Andrew Gold

Despite the transparency issues, the Royal Family's funding remains a significant public expense.

   

Personal Wealth

The Royal Family's personal wealth is another layer of their financial complexity. Andrew discusses the Duchy of Lancaster and the Duchy of Cornwall, which provide personal income to the monarch and the Prince of Wales 1. This wealth creates a perception of privilege that contrasts sharply with the public's financial struggles. Jordan compares this to living in public housing and on welfare, highlighting the disparity between the royals and the average citizen 3.

It's sneered upon, it's looked down upon for people to earn money, whereas the American dream is this whole thing of, like, you know, somebody who comes from nothing can rise up.

--- Andrew Gold

This perception fuels public debate about the fairness and relevance of the monarchy in modern society.

   

Economic Contribution

The economic contributions of the Royal Family are often cited as justification for their public funding. Andrew notes that the monarchy attracts significant tourism, with landmarks like Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle drawing visitors from around the world 4. However, controversies, such as the tweet comparing baby Archie to a chimpanzee, highlight the ongoing issues of privilege and racism within the royal narrative 5.

The british royal family is definitely one of the most well known, probably the most well known. But there are monarchies all over the world, each with their own level of power and influence.

--- Andrew Gold

Balancing these economic benefits with the costs and controversies remains a contentious issue.