AMP in the post
All in all, she has jewels, castles, palaces, and the Crown Estate which is, land and property valued at more than US$18 billion. What does this fabulously wealthy woman spend her money on?
In a word: security. Which has been breached more than once, but it’s hard to hire good help these days.
Security costs are no doubt huge but the actual figure remains a secret reportedly to ensure the safety of royals who are under protection.
Royal Family News – What Are The Queen’s Security Costs?
She must also splash out on foreign dignitaries and heads of state, giving them proper welcomes as befits the crown.
AMP in the post
Buckingham Palace garden parties and receptions for heads of state, prime ministers, and presidents have cost US$3.7 million for housekeeping and hospitality alone.
Much of the cash is for food and drink and is taken from the housekeeping and hospitality columns in the royal accounts. The crown hosts a considerable number of events each year. For instance, the Master of the Household’s department allegedly hosted 240 receptions in the financial year 2018 to 2019, plus 158 lunches, nine garden parties, and 75 dinners at Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle, St James’s Palace, and the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
Royal Family News – What Are The Queens Travel Expenses?
The Sovereign Grant pays for the queen’s travel during official duties, as well as travel undertaken by royals who represent her. The down-to-earth queen has been photographed on public transportation and she has used scheduled train services although the Royal Train is used for longer journeys.
AMP in the post
To give you an idea of the crown’s travel expenses, in 2019 Prince Harry and Meghan toured South Africa and that set the queen back US$347,000. In contrast, Prince Charles spent US$300,000 on a chartered flight to Oman for a funeral.
It cost US$22,400 when the Duke of York chartered a flight for a sporting event in Northern Ireland, and Princess Anne spent US$23,200 for a chartered flight to Rome to watch a rugby match.
Finally, palace upkeep is not cheap. Just one renovation project at Buckingham Palace cost more than US$28 million over a number of years—DIY is not in the royal vocabulary apparently!
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