Good news for those that support some of the RF

[DistinguishedSocialCommentator]

Too far for us and never been up that way. However, should we go there, we will take a peek

https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2024/apr/03/tours-of-parts-of-balmoral-used-by-royals-to-open-for-first-time-for-100

waving virtual smelling salts

I know, my dear, so vulgar

I once bought a key ring from the York Minster gift shop. I can only admit to that because this is an anonymous forum.

York Minster! Imagine a cathedral, a holy building trying to get visitors and generate income.
I'm shocked.

You need a second mortgage to get into St Paul's Cathedral.

Anyway, I think teas are a good idea. Balmoral's in the middle of nowhere, it's not like you can pop into Macca's afterwards.

I think it's a great idea, and people can holiday in the area, which is just so beautiful.

Just out of interest; how does this not qualify as a commercial activity?

I thought you had to be fully in or fully out?

But charging for tickets to Balmoral and flogging Highgrove biscuits isn’t commercial at all?

Unless you are disabled. Then St Paul’s is free for you and a carer. Westminster abbey is the same.

i only discovered that after expecting to pay the full price to take my late FIL a while back, but hoping a carer would be free that it’s free for both.

Sales from Highgrove support the King's Foundation

https://www.kings-foundation.org

I don’t think they are altogether transparent when it comes to finances though?

I’m sure a lot of the income generated goes on charitable causes and the upkeep of historic buildings for the country etc, especially as they have so many of them, but isn’t Balmoral a private home?

I wouldn't know, I'm not their accountant. Balmoral is a private home, yes, but as there only seem to have been 40 tickets released for the first tour I doubt HM is raking it in.

I didn't suggest you were their accountant MrsDanversGlidesAgain. You volunteered information about the King’s Foundation which is why I replied to you. Sorry if that caused offence.

As I recall, they started selling tickets for BP in a very modest way and built up to selling them every summer. I expect they will do the same with Balmoral. I was commenting on the principle of making money through commercial activities and how it is allowed for some members of the RF but not for others.

I bought tchotchkes at Kensington Palace and didn’t even go inside otherwise. Just the gardens. 😔

Yeah, that came across as snappier than I intended, sorry.

I think that they will limit numbers and when you consider that they have to pay for staff, maintenance, upkeep and catering supplies, I doubt the RF will make much out of this.

Bet the shops in Ballater will be please at the extra custom, tho.

FYI: In my judgment, the Balamoral tickets test run is to engage and share even more with the locals. An excellent move by our King.

Seriously?

The level of obsequiousness is becoming embarrassing!

FYI: In my judgment, the Balamoral tickets test run is to engage and share even more with the locals. An excellent move by our King.

I wonder if he's seen fit to reverse the effects of the late queen's appeal that saw the tax on shooting at Balmoral reduced to below the rates paid by local hospitality businesses?

Queen gets tax bill on shooting activities at Balmoral estate slashed to lower than local businesses | The National (archive.ph)

I think the locals might appreciate that kind of engagement and sharing.

I wonder how many ' locals' are forking out £150 for afternoon tea at Balmoral? As PP said, I'm sure they would appreciate tax revenue to be spent locally rather than having to pay to see 3 rooms in a stately home? I wonder how many Scots raised an eyebrow at The Queen berating leaders at Cop 22 abut people 'saying not doing' on the environment after this?
Queen only person in Scotland exempt from green energy law

It's not the Queens fault as she did not make the rules and that is a fact

Err...she lobbied and lobbied to get exemptions for herself and her family that she didn't need to. It literally was her fault! I do agree that she didn't make the rule that she should be allowed to, but it's the very obsequiousness and overblown culture of defence that you are guilty of that allowed her to get away with it. The people who are supposed to be holding the powerful and unelected to account on behalf of the people are falling over and cap doffing to the Royals instead of doing their jobs. She should either have been told no, or her demand should have been fully and openly debated in Parliament so that it was a matter of public record that the Head of State didn't want to pay taxes that a struggling shop owner had to pay. Instead the Guardian had to make a freedom of Information request.

Well said!

I dont recall that.

With respect, that is because you have the royal toady equivalent of beer goggles.

I don't recall it either, probably because I'm not interested in the minutiae of what the royals lobby for or their contacts with the government about this and that. Does that make me a royal toady as well?

And 'with respect'? 😆

post a link from a well respected and credible source, EG Reuters or AP