…to suggest that it’s time the Royal family stands on its own feet and stops taking money from the public purse?

[HappyGalentines]

The Royal family owns and has access to lots of money, land and property. So is it right that they should to take any more money away from us?

With regards to Wills and Kate, they come across as a stable family who take public service seriously, without constantly chasing headlines or drama. In a time when celebrity culture and online division dominate so much of public life, their steady, low-key presence stands out. Even people who aren’t fans of the monarchy can see that they’re using their platform to highlight things like environmental innovation and mental health, issues most people agree are worth supporting. I prefer them to any celebrity influencer who only want fame for their own ego and money.

I'm simply saying that they pay for their own lifestyles..you know like most people. And they are not running the country..they represent the country.

Think what that adds up to and what else that could fund.

Especially if they also had to pay proper taxes on their income.

How would the monarchy fall apart/dissolve/be paid off?

No. Why? What do you think all the state functions are for? They roll out the royal family to schmooze world leaders to give the Uk deals and more favourable terms . You might not like it but it is useful for the Uk government to do this

But, to their credit, most younger people (and a fair few over fifties like me!) completely disagree with you (see ‘Social Attitudes Survey’).

Revolutions can happen very quickly. Let’s hope preparations are being made because Andrew, as further grimy details come to light, may, just may, be a catalyst.

Respect is earned. Have they earned our respect? If so, how and why?

Running the country...that's the best laugh I've had in a long time 🤣🤣🤣

A lot of NHS managers?

With regards to Wills and Kate, they come across as a stable family who take public service seriously, without constantly chasing headlines or drama. In a time when celebrity culture and online division dominate so much of public life, their steady, low-key presence stands out

Low key is the word

Even people who aren’t fans of the monarchy can see that they’re using their platform to highlight things like environmental innovation and mental health, issues most people agree are worth supporting

😆

I prefer them to any celebrity influencer who only want fame for their own ego and money

They aren’t doing the charity work because they are being nice.

What this whole sordid story shows is how feudal our system still with, even with a constitutional monarchy. The RF don’t pay income tax, inheritance tax, have their lives nevertheless funded by the taxpayer and then you get someone like Andrew and Ferguson who thoroughly abuse those privileges. Going to shake hands in Fashion Week is hardly public service. The light has been shone and the magic has gone (to lift it from the original).

I think we should get to decide whether we want a monarchy at all and if it is voted on that we do want it, then how it can be controlled. The bowing and scraping has to stop.

How can you say that with such certainty?

If they all disappeared tmw how would my life change? And yes I would still be aware that mental health is important, climate change is a thing & that the early years are important for dc. Imagine that!

I'd prefer that to go to the NHS, police and education

but what is "private" money. They'll claim enough of state properties that even cutting them off officially wouldn't make an inch of difference.

Properties, land etc.. only become "public" when they need work done or to avoid paying tax on them.

They made damn sure normal rules don't apply, have you checked how the estate of the Duke of Westminster was handled when he died? No inheritance tax there 😂

What this whole sordid story shows is how feudal our system still with, even with a constitutional monarchy. The RF don’t pay income tax, inheritance tax, have their lives nevertheless funded by the taxpayer and then you get someone like Andrew and Ferguson who thoroughly abuse those privileges

Exactly, it’s the wrong message before you even get to A & F.

An individual level it’s a small amount, but collectively it’s huge and there are so many better ways that money could be spent.

They are all very wealthy people, they can fund themselves.

@UnhappyHobbit say what? How can anything you have posted be said with certainty?

The country could certainly do with the revenue from liquidating a lot of their assets.

They could do with restructuring their income. The Duchy of Cornwall brings in £23mil a year, that alone could easily support all of them in fine style.

The royal family costs £1.29 per person per year. Is that really that bad?

@BananaPeels does the above include security? The money lost because of no IHT?

Until the government can spend the money it has properly, I don’t want them to have another penny quite frankly . If we abolished the royal family and took that money, it wouldn’t be spent on anything ‘better’, it would just end up in the general tax pot and I bet we don’t see any more teachers/ policemen etc.

Make your point directly to what I have said that isn’t accurate so I can address it properly.

The Duke of Westminster's estate bore no Inheritance tax presumably because it was all placed in a Discretionary Trust. Same with the RF estates I reckon. That option is open to anyone. The tax crystallises when the trustees appoint to a beneficiary and that could be years hence.

I'm not defending the RF here, let me be clear. What is an abomination is the fact that their wills are sealed whereas the peasants are not allowed to do that. Therefore all mistresses, out of wedlock children, blackmail debts, ha ha you name it can be hidden forever, together with the net value of said estates.

The Duke of Westminster's will is available if you pay to have a copy sent to you. Can't do that for any of the RF.

They own the Duchies of Cornwall and Lancaster which are theirs. Yes there is the Crown Estate but where it all ends/begins seems v.opaque. No IHT for the heir to the throne. Who owns/pays for what?