The recent Coronation of King Charles III marked a significant moment in the history of the British monarchy and was celebrated across the nation and beyond. However, this grand event came at a notable cost to taxpayers, totaling £72 million, according to recent figures released by the government. This expenditure sparked a multitude of reactions from the public, especially considering the ongoing cost-of-living crisis facing many in the UK.
In detail, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), which organized the Coronation, spent just over £50 million. An additional £22 million was allocated for policing, funded by the Home Office. The DCMS has characterized the Coronation as a “once-in-a-generation” event. Interestingly, these costs fell mostly in line with unofficial estimates, which suggested that the expenses would range between £50 million and £100 million.
The Coronation took place on May 6, 2023, at Westminster Abbey, and was described as a “slimmed down affair” when compared to Queen Elizabeth II’s Coronation in 1953. The guest list at the recent ceremony was limited to just a quarter of the size, reflecting a more modern, perhaps more restrained approach to the royal occasion in light of contemporary social dynamics.
The funding for the Coronation was derived from various sources including the UK Government and Buckingham Palace, utilizing the Sovereign Grant, which is a portion of the profitability from the Crown Estate revenue. Additionally, the Privy Purse, sourced from a private estate known as the Duchy of Lancaster, played a role as well. At the start of April 2024, the Duchy of Lancaster reportedly held net assets valued at £647 million, highlighting the strong financial foundation behind the monarchy.
Despite the grandeur of the occasion, there have been criticisms regarding the allocation of public funds for such events, especially during a time when many citizens in the UK are grappling with rising living costs. A YouGov poll conducted in the month leading up to the Coronation revealed a significant lack of public support, with 52% of Londoners opposing taxpayer funding for the Coronation. This sentiment reflects a deep-seated concern about the appropriateness of spending large sums of money on royal ceremonies when everyday citizens are facing financial difficulties.
The DCMS, which had initially withheld specific financial details prior to the event, later released its annual accounts report, revealing that the Coronation reached a global audience of approximately two billion viewers across 125 countries. This vast viewership was presented as a unique opportunity to not only celebrate British culture but also showcase the UK to the world.
The ceremonial crowning of King Charles took place amidst a star-studded event, attended by numerous dignitaries from across the globe, including 90 heads of state along with other notable figures. The King’s youngest son, Prince Harry, made a brief appearance for the occasion, arriving from California without his family. Among the celebrities present were renowned actors like Emma Thompson and Judi Dench, as well as musical icons such as Lionel Richie and Katy Perry. Thousands gathered along the Mall, braving the rain to catch a glimpse of the procession that celebrated the new King.
Following the main ceremony, a concert featuring an array of famous artists, including Katy Perry and the British group Take That, took place at Windsor Castle, contributing further to the celebratory atmosphere surrounding this historic event.
Overall, King Charles III’s Coronation was not just a royal affair; it was a multifaceted event that underscored the complexities of modern monarchy, public opinion, and national identity in the United Kingdom. The financial implications of the Coronation, juxtaposed against the backdrop of a financial crisis, have generated discussion that will likely continue in the months and years to come.
