Royal family's $56 million fortune frustrates Brits facing tough choices between food and heating, says expert.
The controversial funding will be allocated for the renovation of Buckingham Palace.
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In 2025, the British royal family is set to embrace a lot of greenery.
In April, the Sovereign Grant, which helps fund their activities, will rise by more than $56 million, People magazine reported. This will result in a staggering $165 million.
The publication highlighted that the Sovereign Grant refers to the funds allocated to the monarchy from the U.K. treasury. Critics have already labeled the pay rise as "outrageous," especially as the U.K. government faces challenges in securing budgetary resources for other essential expenditures.
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A representative from Buckingham Palace has not yet replied to Fox News Digital's inquiry for a statement.
“While it’s acknowledged that the funds will go towards the restoration of Buckingham Palace, royal expert Ian Pelham Turner informed Fox News Digital that the combined private wealth of the royal family could actually finance the expenses.”
"This adds yet another blow to the royal family… particularly as numerous individuals have seen their winter fuel support from the government cut. Many are now faced with the tough choice of choosing between food and keeping their homes warm during the winter months."
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According to People magazine, the increase was revealed last year. Buckingham Palace emphasized that a significant portion of the funds would be allocated to the ongoing renovations of the property, which are projected to cost $462 million. The repairs are anticipated to be finalized by 2027.
Nonetheless, the palace did not disclose the amount of funds allocated for the renovations.
"This is public money," Graham Smith, CEO of Republic, told Town & Country. The organization "campaigns for the abolition of the monarchy," per its website.
"This entire sum of money is sourced from the government, which is currently struggling to adequately finance schools, hospitals, and police services... it’s outrageous," Smith stated. "It shouldn’t be increasing at all; in fact, it ought to be decreasing."
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British royal expert Hilary Fordwich stressed to Fox News Digital that the pay raise isn’t for King Charles III.
"That is definitely not the case," she clarified, pointing out that it finances all the operational offices within Buckingham Palace and supports its personnel.
"Additional expenditures encompass state banquets, hosting foreign dignitaries, upkeep of royal residences utilized for official functions, general operations of the royal household—which includes all personnel needed for diplomatic events—along with public garden parties and the maintenance of royal estates."
"She explained that additional funds are contributed to their initiatives and charitable causes aimed at benefiting the community. "This is not a personal matter for King Charles III in any way," she emphasized."
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Nevertheless, Pelham Turner remarked that the salary hike does not reflect well on the royal family, especially following the criticism faced by Charles and Prince William in November.
The Sunday Times and a televised program titled "The King, The Prince & Their Secret Millions" claimed that the king and his heir were quietly raking in money through their royal estates, the Duchy of Lancaster and Duchy of Cornwall.
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The investigation claims that the private estates have been taking in millions from public bodies, including the National Health Service and state-funded schools as well as the British Armed Forces, the New York Post reported.
The Duchy of Lancaster encompasses a private estate of 44,748 acres located in England and Wales, which is owned by the king in his capacity as sovereign.
"A representative informed Fox News Digital that the Duchy of Lancaster oversees a diverse array of land and property holdings."
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"The spokesperson stated, 'It operates on a self-financing basis and does not rely on any public funding for its operations. An Annual Report and Accounts are published, which undergo independent auditing and can be accessed on its website, ensuring compliance with all pertinent U.K. laws and regulatory requirements related to its various business acti
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