As the British public grapples with a cost-of-living crisis, soaring inflation, and a struggling healthcare system, the timing of King Charles’ decision to replace his 15-year-old helicopters has raised eyebrows. This move comes amidst a significant boost to the monarchy’s funding, with the Crown Estates’ profits soaring to £1.1 million last year. The monarchy is set to receive an additional £45 million in its funding during the 2025/2026 financial year, a development that has sparked outrage among the public.
Critics have been quick to question the prioritization of the monarchy’s needs over the pressing issues facing the British people. Dr. Shola, a prominent commentator, has described the situation as “morally bankrupt and disgusting,” noting that the monarchy is not even taxed while its members grow richer “off the backs of the British people.” The juxtaposition of the monarchy’s wealth accumulation and the worsening conditions for the general public, with food banks, cost-of-living crises, and a struggling National Health Service, has understandably fueled public resentment.
Below is an information from the GUARDIAN concerning the same.King Charles is set for a huge £45m pay rise with an increase of more than 50% in his official annual income, official accounts reveal. Profits of £1.1bn from the crown estate – a percentage of which funds the monarchy – mean the sovereign grant, which supports the official duties of the royal family, will rise from £86m in 2024-25 to £132m in 2025-26.
The monarchy currently receives 12% of the crown estate profits to fund its work as well as to fund the 10-year, £369m renovation of Buckingham Palace. Royal aides said the increase will be used to complete the palace reservicing programme by 2027. The sovereign grant will be reviewed in 2026-27 to reassess the amount handed over to the palace and ensure it is an “appropriate level”.
The significant increase in the sovereign grant in 2025-6 and 2026-7 “will be used to fund the final stages of the Buckingham Palace reservicing programme, enabling it to be complete both on time and on budget,” said Michael Stevens, the king’s Keeper of the Privy Purse.
Once this is accomplished, he said “a reduction in the absolute amount of the sovereign grant will be sought as part of the royal trustees review in 2026-27, through primary legislation”, to ensure that the work of the royal family “continues to be funded at an appropriate level”.
The timing of the helicopter replacement, which coincides with the monarchy’s funding boost, only serves to exacerbate these concerns. Many have questioned whether the monarchy’s priorities are truly aligned with the needs of the nation, or if they are more focused on maintaining their own lavish lifestyle at the expense of the people they are meant to serve. The booing of King Charles during recent public appearances suggests a growing disconnect between the monarchy and the public, as the latter grapples with the realities of a struggling economy and a healthcare system in crisis.
