I am a Royalist.  I love the Royal Family.  Queen Elizabeth II has been an astounding Monarch.  I am proud to live in a Constitutional Monarchy.  But reports that the Queen has asked for an extra £44m to refurbish Palaces does not strike the right tone.

David Cameron’s famous test is to ask the public whether it feels right to spend this money.  Given the nation is being asked to tighten its belts and is still facing an uncertain future, with unemployment continuing to rise, (and will do so, even as the economy recovers as unemployment is a lagging indicator), does it feel right when everyone cuts back that the Royal Family does not do the same. 

The Palace currently receives more than £15m a year for upkeep of the Palaces.  But has asked for £4 million a year for the next decade, to cover essential works.

Some will say that the key phrase is essential works.  This works needs to be done.  However, the Royal Family could be smarter with its own finances.  It’s Palaces for a start could be open for longer periods throughout the year, whilst charging the public.  The National Art Collection, when loaned out currently is done so at no charge. 

With spending cuts about to hit the public sector, is now the best time Your Majesty to be asking for this increase in money, in addition to the increase you have requested through the Civil List?  I think the public would politely say, Sorry Your Majesty…the answer is NO!

FacebookTwitterTechnorati FavoritesMySpaceLinkedInBeboRedditShare