Vivek Chaudhary in London
The British Queen, thought to be one of the world’s richest women, could increase her income sixfold under proposals to scrap money given to the royal family by the government, in return for money generated from property owned by the family.
The proposal is one of five under consideration that would radically alter the constitutional position of the UK monarchy and attempt to restore its public popularity as it approaches the millennium.
Buckingham Palace confirmed that senior members of the royal family are involved in discussions on the development of the monarchy.
According to some reports, the advisers, known as the Way Ahead Group, meet twice a year.
One of the most controversial proposals under discussion is the scrapping of the $13-million civil list — money provided by the UK government — in return for the restoration to the royals of the Crown Estates — the royal household’s land and property. Last year, the royal properties produced an income of $141,7-million.
Even if the Queen is taxed on the money, she would receive more than $82,5-million, representing a considerable increase in her income and making her financially independent of the state. Buckingham Palace refused to comment on whether other expenses, such as maintaining the royal yacht and train, international trips and hosting state banquets, would be met from the Queen’s own funds or continue to be met by the government if the proposals are accepted by Parliament.
It was being suggested that finance ministry estimates of the cost of running the royal family came close to $82,5-million.
UK constitutional expert Vernon Bogdanor said: “The sovereign would be more independent if she were being financed from her own revenue. There is a case for the financial independence of the monarchy — it would stop the squabbles about the civil list. The handing back of the Crown Estates raises an important constitutional point.”
David Starkey, a constitutional expert based at the London School of Economics, said: “These proposals would allow the royal family to have completely private lives — they are being privatised. The Queen is admitting that the whole idea of a family monarchy is dead.”