Royal family under pressure: Royals' financial secrets revealed!

Royal family under pressure: Royals' financial secrets revealed!

The finances of the British royal family are the focus of a sensational report detailing the income of King Charles III. and Prince William revealed. The two royals, who are not only the ceremoniously crowned head of state of Great Britain but are also considered the landowner kings, earned an incredible 50 million pounds (60 million euros) last year. These figures come from extensive research by Sunday Times and the broadcaster Channel 4, who have closely examined the royals' sources of income.

The royal income comes from the duchies of Lancaster and Cornwall, which have existed for centuries. Charles III receives the income from the Duchy of Lancaster, while Prince William manages the income from the Duchy of Cornwall. This tradition has allowed the royals to own vast lands and real estate, earning them considerable wealth. But the source of this money is a matter of debate, especially considering that the royals receive lease payments from state institutions such as the NHS and the Ministry of Defense, which are financed with taxpayers' money ProSieben reported.

The dark side of royal finances

The income from the Duchy of Lancaster includes £11.4 million paid over 15 years by an NHS organization for a warehouse in London. The Ministry of Defense also pays for access to docks for warships, while state schools and local authorities pay rent for the use of land. Critics have long called for reform of the taxation of the royal lands, as an agreement with the Treasury means no capital gains or corporation tax is due.

Public financing of royal residences such as Buckingham Palace comes via the so-called Sovereign Grant, which includes 25 percent of the Crown Estate's income. This raises questions: Shouldn't the royals take more responsibility and make their finances more transparent? Former MP Margaret Hodge was critical and said the monarchy should lead by example instead of taking advantage of both sides.

A call for reform

The discussion about the royals' finances is not new. Critics such as the Republic organization demand that the royals should receive less tax money and finance more privately, especially in times of tight public finances. Jean Johansson, a presenter, has called Prince William a hypocrite for working to combat homelessness while using public services that provide fewer resources to those in need.

The royal finances are a hot topic that is heating up people's minds. During Charles III. and Prince William continue to benefit from their lands, the question remains whether the monarchy is still appropriate in a modern society. Calls for greater transparency and fairness in royal taxation are growing, and it remains to be seen whether the royal family will respond to these calls.