Skip to: Content
Skip to: Site Navigation
Skip to: Search

October 12, 2008 4:08:39 PM CDT

Learn about Newser Points »

« Back to the grid | Next story »

Windsor Bills a Royal Pain for Taxpayers

Posted Jun 30, 08 7:49 AM CDT in Arts & Living,  Gossip,  World 

(Newser) – Britain’s royal family is facing the effects of tough financial times, ABC News reports—but it's easier to cope when you have taxpayers to foot the monarchy's $80 million in annual expenses. While that’s just $1.30 per taxpayer, Buckingham Palace says, critics note unnecessary expenses, like a $44,000 helicopter trip to the Kentucky Derby.

Still, some subjects think $1.30 is “quite good value for money. It could be worse,” said one. And though travel costs jumped 10% this year, the royals are working to save money elsewhere: the queen shrunk her electric bill 11% and her gas bill 26% this year by making sure lights were turned out. Overall, the monarchy’s real costs have dropped 3% in the past 7 years.

Source ABC News

0 comments | Print E-mail | Digg Seed this on Newsvine Add this link to Del.icio.us StumbleUpon

Related Newser Stories

  • Royals Party Like It's 1899

    Sep 29, 08 12:55 PM CDT
    Seemingly impervious—or oblivious—to the international economic meltdown, the royal family will throw not one but two lavish celebrations for Prince Charles’ 60th birthday in November, the Daily Mail reports. The Queen will host a state banquet at Buckingham Palace for 170 guests, and Charles' wife, Camilla, will host a five-course dinner for 75.
    More »

  • Mom of Prince's Girlfriend Set to Meet Queen

    Jun 18, 08 3:46 PM CDT
    Mom of Prince's Girlfriend Set to Meet Queen The mother of Prince William's girlfriend is set to meet Queen Elizabeth tomorrow, the Telegraph reports, with Carole Middleton scoring an invitation to the royal box at the Ascot races. The news intensified speculation that Kate Middleton and Prince Charles' elder son could soon be engaged, seven years after meeting at university. More »

  • Prince Philip Hospitalized

    Apr 4, 08 10:33 AM CDT
    Prince Philip Hospitalized Prince Philip has been hospitalized with a chest infection, Buckingham Palace announced today. Queen Elizabeth’s husband, 86, walked into the hospital unaided and was able to sit up in bed and write, the Times of London reports. Using his formal title, a palace spokeswoman said: "The Duke of Edinburgh has been admitted to King Edward VII Hospital for assessment and treatment for a chest infection.” More »

  • Queen Breaks Royal Age Record

    Dec 20, 07 9:07 AM CST
    Queen Breaks Royal Age Record As of today, Queen Elizabeth II is Britain's oldest-ever monarch, AFP reports. She's now a day older than Queen Victoria lived to be, and while she doesn't seem to be slowing down much, the British are starting to think about what will happen after she dies—as well as looking back at her remarkable reign. More »

  • Saudi, Brit Royals Dine

    Oct 31, 07 9:52 AM CDT
    Saudi, Brit Royals Dine In the first visit of a Saudi king to the UK in 20 years, King Abdullah was treated to a Buckingham Palace banquet last night. His host, Queen Elizabeth, said Britain and Saudi Arabia must fight together against "terrorists who threaten the way of life of our citizens." Abdullah urged British Muslims to be "honest and upright Muslims and worthy British citizens," the BBC reports. More »

In this photo released by the RAF, British WWII aircraft take part in the flypast over Buckingham Palace to mark Queen Elizabeth II's official birthday, in London, June 14, 2008.   (AP Photo)
Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, smiles at Prince William and Prince Harry during a service of celebration to mark the Diamond wedding anniversary of Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip, Nov. 19, 2007.   (AP Photo/Alastair Grant)
Queen Elizabeth II visits students and alumni in the Wren Building at The College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, Va., Friday, May 4, 2007.   (AP Photo/Rodney Lamkey)
Prince Harry kisses Queen Elizabeth II, as Prince Philip looks on as they leave St George's Chapel in Windsor, England, after attending Peter Phillips' wedding, May 17, 2008.   (AP Photo/Sang Tan, Pool)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
Our editors also recommend:

Threads (
1
 of 2)

Tags

Great Britain  • economy  • British royals  • Queen Elizabeth II  • taxpayers  • Buckingham Palace


Loading...

Premium Articles from HighBeam

Find more articles like this

Today's Most Popular

Loading...

Other World Stories

What is Newser?

2008 Codie Finalist

Newser gives you more news in less time. We search for the best and most important stories all over the web, read them for you, and deliver concise and sharp summaries—along with links to the full text. Newser provides a way to stay on top of an ever-expanding horizon of news and opinion—politics, sports, business, trends, technology, personalities, crimes, and controversies. Newser keeps you not just better informed, but, with our signature graphic interface and smart condensed format, more enjoyably informed.

Learn more »