LONDON, UK – The coronation of King Charles III in May 2023 cost British taxpayers at least £72m, according to official figures, reigniting debates over public spending on the monarchy during a cost-of-living crisis.
The figures, disclosed in the annual report of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), reveal £21.7m was spent on policing the event, while £50.3m was attributed to costs incurred by DCMS itself.
Critics, however, claim the real expenditure may be far higher once additional government and local authority costs are included.
A National Celebration
The coronation, described by DCMS as a “once-in-a-generation moment,” was hailed by the government as a unifying event that celebrated British heritage and showcased the nation to the world.
The festivities included a lavish ceremony at Westminster Abbey attended by international dignitaries and a star-studded concert at Windsor Castle.
DCMS praised the event for enabling the UK to “come together in celebration” and strengthening national identity.
The department highlighted its global reach, noting that millions of people across the globe tuned in to witness the occasion.
However, viewership in the UK—approximately 20 million—was significantly lower than the 29 million who watched the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II in 2022.
Criticism from Republican Campaigners
Anti-monarchy group Republic has criticised the expenditure as an “obscene” misuse of public funds, arguing that the £72m figure likely underestimates the total cost.
“I would be very surprised if £72m was the whole cost,” Republic CEO Graham Smith told The Guardian, noting additional expenses borne by the Ministry of Defence, Transport for London, fire brigades, and local councils.
Some estimates suggest the total cost could be between £100m and £250m.
Smith argued that the coronation was not a constitutional necessity and accused King Charles of insisting on an extravagant event at a time when many Britons were struggling with financial hardship.
“It was a parade that Charles insisted on at huge expense to the taxpayer,” Smith said.
“This is on top of the huge inheritance tax bill he didn’t [have to] pay and the £500m-a-year cost of the monarchy.”
Under a 1993 agreement brokered by then-Prime Minister John Major, inheritance passed directly from one sovereign to another is exempt from the 40% inheritance tax usually applied to assets valued above £325,000.
Cost-of-Living Crisis
Critics have underscored the juxtaposition between the coronation’s cost and the financial challenges faced by many Britons.
“When kids are unable to afford lunches at school, to spend over £70m on this parade is obscene,” Smith added.
The coronation’s cost has further intensified debates about the role and funding of the monarchy, particularly during a period of austerity and public sector cuts.
Calls for greater transparency and accountability in royal finances are likely to persist as the UK grapples with ongoing economic pressures.
