The annual accounts of the Royal Family have been revealed, detailing how much the country has spent on the monarchy in the past year. Royal accounts published on Thursday showed the monarchy's taxpayer-funded spending came to a staggering £102.4 million during 2021/22 - increasing by 17% from the previous financial year.
Campaign group Republic, which advocates for the abolishment of the monarchy, has slated the figures, which also include £4.5m for official royal travel, £1.3m for housekeeping and hospitality, £3.2m for utilities, and payroll costs of £23.7 million. You can get more Welsh news and other story updates straight to your inbox by subscribing to our newsletters here.
Meanwhile, Sir Michael Stevens, Keeper of the Privy Purse, has outlined the challenges facing Buckingham Palace itself following the pandemic and due to inflation. You can read the full breakdown of the numbers, alongside how much the Royal Family bring in, by clicking here.
Sir Michael said: "Its supplementary income from the Royal Collection Trust was £9.9 million in 2021/22, which is 50% below pre-pandemic levels, with the figure not expected to rebound until two or three years’ time. Efficiencies within the royal household have included a pay freeze and a recruitment freeze, with a close eye being kept on energy use, ahead of the expected rise in energy costs."
The numbers have sparked plenty of reaction, with people left divided over whether the expenditure was justified by the work the monarchy do.
Lamberton Alan highlighted that the Royal Family "earn more by far than they take", but some questioned if the money would be better spent elsewhere. Brian Shaw Phillips saw a contrast with the lack of affordable housing affecting the country. He added "The inability to find homes for the ever growing homeless? Where is the money for that? Seems monies are found for those whom are not in need, But not for those whom are?"
Geraint Watts left some unfavourable words for the Royal Family. He said "Down with the monarchy! Biggest bunch of free loaders", arguing the money being spent was not justified by their actions. Others questioned if the monarchy would be better replaced by the work of the Prime Minister or First Minister of Wales. Similar words were ushered by Jenny Sheppard who said: "They’re multi-millionaires- every single one of them- we need to stop paying for them!"
However, not everyone was opposed to the Royal Family expenditure with Wayne Brandom questioning "who cares?". He explained: "The royals are asked to attend different openings, meetings and host world leaders on behalf of the Government. In order for them to attend, they need to travel and need funds to host. This does cost money but brings in far more in investments and is great soft power. Those of you that are not happy with us having a Monachy do not have to stay in this country. One of the many freedoms you have is a freedom to move."
Dave Morgan was not convinced, however, adding: "The majority of people in Britain go without, whilst the Government props up this anachronistic system of monarchy. So many people commenting on this topic will have been indoctrinated by years of 'groupthink' and offer words of praise for the Royal Family. Okay, I can respect the Queen, an elderly lady who displays dignity and a sense of duty. However, I see the personas of the others have been largely manufactured. I dread the day when the Queen is no longer with us. Her family surely has sufficient money to pay more to pay for the upkeep of the monarchy and reduce the financial burden on the rest of us."
Jeff Bates said: "It’s about time that we evolved past needing monarchy. Over privileged, above the law and out of date. Down with the crown."
READ NEXT:
- Children grow up in poverty in the shadow of Wales' greatest wealth
- State pension age could rise years earlier than first expected
- Virgin Media customers face £25 fine 'for not answering door'
- B&M home delivery plan announced to delight of shoppers
- The most polluted areas of Wales revealed
Find images from Wales's past here:
