Critics Hit Out At Millions Spent On Harry And Meghan's Home
Mohammad Ali (@ChaudhryMAli88) Published June 25, 2019 | 02:30 PM
London, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 25th Jun, 2019 ) :Prince Harry and his wife Meghan's new home in Windsor cost �2.4 million ($3.05 million, 2.7 million Euros) of taxpayers' money to renovate, royal accounts showed Tuesday, prompting criticism from anti-monarchy campaigners.
Queen Elizabeth II's grandson and his wife moved into Frogmore Cottage on the Windsor Castle estate before the birth of their son Archie on May 6.
The residence, west of London, had been split into five separate homes but was turned back into one property in a six-month refurbishment ahead of their move-in.
"The property had not been the subject of work for some years and had already been earmarked for renovation," said Michael Stevens, who runs the monarchy's accounts.
"The building was returned to a single residence and outdated infrastructure was replaced to guarantee the long-term future of the property.
"All fixtures and fittings were paid for by their royal highnesses," added Stevens, whose title is Keeper of the Privy Purse.
The cost was revealed as the British monarchy published its accounts for the last financial year.
The monarchy is paid for using a slice of the profits from the land it owns, the rest of which go to the government.
The monarchy's official expenditure in the financial year 2018-2019 was �67 million, including souping up the 1801-built Frogmore Cottage -- an increase of almost �20 million on the previous financial year.
The renovation and rise in overall spending provoked condemnation from campaigners who want to abolish the monarchy.
"This year's increases are outrageous at a time of widespread spending cuts," Graham Smith, from the Republic campaign group, told The Sun newspaper.
"If even one school or hospital is facing cuts, we cannot justify spending a penny on the royals." - Buckingham Palace refit - Under a deal dating back to 1760, profits from the Crown Estate -- the monarch's hereditary land and property portfolio -- are surrendered to the Treasury, which in return funds the monarchy's running costs through the sovereign grant.
The grant is not income for the royals but pays for the monarch's household staff, property maintenance, official travel, housekeeping and hospitality.
The grant amounts to 15 percent of the Crown Estate profits.
For 10 years starting last year, there is an additional 10 percent to cover the reservicing of Buckingham Palace, Queen Elizabeth's official residence in London.
The sovereign grant for 2018-2019 was �82.2 million -- up from �76.1 million the previous year.
The �82.2 million comprised of a �49.3 million core grant plus a further �32.9 million for the Buckingham Palace reservicing, replacing old wiring, water pipes and boilers, some of which has not been done since the 1950s.
"The 10-year reservicing programme presents a unique opportunity for innovation and investment in one of the world's most prestigious and iconic historic buildings, thereby preserving it for future generations," said Stevens.
"The work is sequenced so as to enable the palace to remain occupied and fully operational and the Queen's programme to continue to be delivered without interruption." The figures out Tuesday showed the royals spent �23.2 million on wages for the equivalent of 463 full-time staff.
They splashed �2.3 million on official hospitality and housekeeping, including �1.7 million on food and drink for around 160,000 guests.
Cleaning and laundry came to �600,000, while the wine and spirits bill was �400,000, with wine being held in stock to age.
The royal family carried out more than 3,200 official engagements in Britain and around the world in the financial year to April.
US President Donald Trump's state visit will be included in next year's accounts.
Related Topics
Recent Stories
Saka and Odegaard start for Arsenal, Guerreiro in Bayern midfield
Qatar PM says re-evaluating Israel-Hamas mediation role
Govt spokesperson terms allegations of PTI's Marwat against Saudi Arabia 'heinou ..
Minister appreciate UAE’s support for Pakistan economic challenges
Manchester City v Real Madrid Champions League starting line-ups
MIGA's support Pakistan in attracting foreign investments: Federal Minister for ..
Walker returns to captain Man City for Real Madrid clash
Action taken against price list violations in Khanewal district
DC chairs review meeting of DEG
Turkey accuses Israel's Netanyahu of using war 'to stay in power'
Pakistan ranked 5th most vulnerable country to climate change. Tirmizi
Nadal comeback ends in Barcelona Open second round
More Stories From Miscellaneous
-
Amjad Bobby remembered on 19th death anniversary for timeless contributions to music
3 days ago -
Legendary actor Nadeem’s 26 films released on Eid-ul-Fitr days in 50 years
3 days ago -
Besant Hall Cultural Centre to celebrate evening with Sanam Marvi on 26 April
3 days ago -
Radio Bahawalpur presents program “Eidi Shidi”
6 days ago -
Radio Bahawalpur to broadcast Eid programs
9 days ago -
DC, DPO Haripur inspect bus terminals to review fares compliance
10 days ago
-
Second phase of refugees’ repatriation to start after Eidul Fitr vacations
11 days ago -
Reaping bounties as Ramazan culminates
11 days ago -
Digital transformation – a boon or bane
11 days ago -
Plants’ business: Another casualty of climate change
13 days ago -
Eid shoppers prioritize children’s joy over personal comforts
13 days ago -
Besant Hall Cultural Centre honoring Pir Hassam din Rashdi to take place on April 1
17 days ago