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Agence France-Presse

King Charles’ coronation last year cost British taxpayers £72 million (US$90.7 million), official accounts released late on Thursday revealed.
Critics have argued taxpayer spending on the events was too large and out of touch given the huge demands on stretched public funds and economising in recent years by many Britons.
The figures showed the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) spent £50.3 million, while the interior ministry’s costs for policing the “once-in-a-generation” event totalled £21.7 million.
Charles was formally crowned monarch at Westminster Abbey in a May 2023 ceremony attended by dignitaries from around the world.


A star-studded concert at Windsor Castle took place the following night.
The disclosure of the final bill, which had been estimated at more than £100 million, is nonetheless set to spark fresh condemnation from anti-monarchists in the UK.
They have been stepping up their criticisms of the royal family and what they say are excessive and unfair financial benefits it receives in straitened times.
The country has been gripped by post-pandemic cost pressures, with decades-high inflation during much of last year, while flatlining economic growth has led to declining living standards.
Sceptics also note that the UK monarch, who receives more public money than European counterparts, is a multimillionaire able to foot more of the institution’s bills.
More than half of Britons told pollsters YouGov before the coronation that the government should not be funding it.
The royals this month faced calls for more transparency and reform of their private estates, after an investigation alleged they have been profiting from public bodies while benefiting from major tax exemptions.
In its annual report and accounts, DCMS said it “successfully delivered on the central weekend of His Majesty King Charles III’s Coronation, enjoyed by many millions both in the UK and across the globe”.
DCMS was the lead government department working with the royal household on the coronation, which it described as a “once-in-a-generation moment”.
It added the events “offered a unique opportunity to celebrate and strengthen our national identity and showcase the UK to the world”.


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King Charles III

Britain’s King Charles wearing St Edward’s Crown during the coronation ceremony inside Westminster Abbey in London on May 6, 2023. Photo: AFP

Britain’s King Charles at a remembrance service on Sunday. Photo: Reuters

Britain’s Kate, Princess of Wales, left, stands on a balcony during the National Service of Remembrance at The Cenotaph in London. Photo: PA via AP

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch, and former prime ministers Boris Johnson and Theresa May. Photo: Reuters

Britain’s Prince William. Photo: Reuters

UK’s Queen Camilla withdraws from events due to chest infection

Britain’s Queen Camilla waves as she boards the Royal Australian Air Force jet via Faleolo International Airport after her visit to a Farewell Ceremony at Siumu Village n Apia, Samoa, in October. Photo: Reuters

Britain’s Kate, Princess of Wales, reacts during a visit to Southport Community Centre in Britain in October. Photo: Reuters

Masked raiders stole vehicles from Windsor Estate while Prince William, Kate and family slept

Britain’s Kate, Princess of Wales, and Prince William, Prince of Wales. Photo: AP

Police guard the Henry VIII gate at Windsor Castle at Windsor, England on Christmas Day, 2021. Photo: AP

UK’s John Prescott, deputy prime minister to Tony Blair, dead at 86

Former deputy prime minister John Prescott in 2012. File photo: Reuters

Britain’s then Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott and Prime Minister Tony Blair in 2006. File photo: EPA-EFE 

Britain’s then Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott, covered in egg in 2001. File photo: AP

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Critics say taxpayer spending on the 2023 events was too large and out of touch given huge demands on stretched public funds


Critics say taxpayer spending on the 2023 events was too large and out of touch given huge demands on stretched public funds.
