Should the Royal Family’s finances, including the Sovereign Grant, face an independent review?
The Sovereign Grant currently funds the Royal Family's official duties and palace maintenance at £137.9 million for 2026-27, falling to a fixed £99.9 million annually from 2027-28 after Buckingham Palace reservicing ends, as set by the Sovereign Grant Bill before Parliament. The King also receives private income from the Duchy of Lancaster, while the Prince of Wales benefits from the Duchy of Cornwall; both are independently audited. Recent scrutiny from MPs, the NAO, and campaigners questions value for money, transparency on private wealth, property arrangements, and travel costs amid public spending pressures.
5 Opinions
No matter which way you voted, if you aren't aware of how we got here, it's fascinating. Look up the 1760 surrender of income from the Crown Estates under George III. I didn't know until someone told me; it isn't well taught or widely discussed. Which is odd, as it's such a bone of contention...
The Sovereign Grant cover the maintenance of Royal Residences, staff, official duties, state visits, etc. That, along with their finances have transparency and accountability in their expenditure. I see no need for an independent review.
Clinging to feudal opacity does more damage to the Crown than transparency ever could. The monarchy claims to be modern and accountable, yet panics whenever anyone asks for independent oversight of the Duchies and the Sovereign Grant. Why is that?
Independent review and publication would improve transparency and confidence in value for money, essential for all public spending.
No, there is no place for royal family in the modern democratic country. It should be abolished.