As the United Kingdom (UK) grapples with an inflation crisis and widespread strikes over pay, some Britons are questioning why they have to pay for King Charles III’s extraordinary coronation on Saturday. The actual cost of the coronation has not been disclosed and is not expected to be made public until after the event. Nevertheless, estimates suggest the cost could be as high as £100 million, not including the cost of providing extensive security measures.
An April YouGov poll indicated that 51% of respondents believed that taxpayers should not fund Charles and Camilla’s coronation, as the royals have previously donated undisclosed sums to charity. Some members of the public believe that the lavish ceremony is in stark contrast to the struggles of ordinary Britons who are finding it difficult to make ends meet.
Despite opposition, Buckingham Palace has said that “utility” has been created, which involves reusing formal elements rather than creating new ones. Only 2,300 people will attend Charles III’s ceremony, compared to the 8,000 who attended the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953. The British Beer and Pub Association predicts the coronation will generate an extra £120 million for pubs across the country, while the hospitality industry is also expected to receive a significant boost.
Anti-monarchy activist Graham Smith called the coronation “a slap in the face to millions of people who are struggling with a crisis of precious lives.” Meanwhile, Buckingham Palace says a national event of this magnitude attracts “huge global interest” and generates more revenue than it costs. Debate continues over whether taxpayers should cover the cost of the coronation ceremony.
