THE CORONATION of King Charles in May 2023 cost British taxpayers £72 million, according to official accounts released on Thursday.
The Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) accounted for £50.3m of the spending, while the interior ministry spent £21.7m on policing the event.
The coronation, held at Westminster Abbey, was attended by dignitaries from across the world. A concert at Windsor Castle followed the ceremony the next evening.
Critics have argued that the spending was excessive, particularly during a period of financial strain for many Britons. Anti-monarchists have increased their calls for greater accountability from the royal family, citing concerns about the financial benefits it receives.
Ahead of the coronation, a YouGov poll found that more than half of Britons believed the government should not fund the event. Sceptics also noted that the UK monarch receives more public funding than counterparts in Europe and argued that Charles, as a multimillionaire, could cover more of the institution’s costs.
The UK has faced economic challenges, including decades-high inflation and stagnant growth, leading to declining living standards. Critics contend that spending on the coronation was out of touch with the economic pressures facing the country.
The DCMS defended its role in the event, stating in its annual report that the coronation was a "once-in-a-generation moment" and an opportunity to celebrate national identity and showcase the UK globally. The department added that it had "successfully delivered on the central weekend" of the coronation, which was "enjoyed by many millions both in the UK and across the globe."
The royal family has also faced recent calls for more transparency and reforms in its private estates after reports alleged they were profiting from public bodies while benefiting from tax exemptions.
(With inputs from AFP)
Jess Phillips
