King Charles and Queen Camilla’s Coronation Ceremony Costs Taxpayers Over $90 Million
Last year, the coronation ceremony of King Charles and Queen Camilla took place, costing taxpayers a staggering sum of over $90 million. This lavish event, held on May 6, 2023, was a spectacle that captured the attention of millions of viewers worldwide, with thousands of Brits lining the streets to witness the historic moment.
The ceremony, which was held at London’s Westminster Abbey, saw the presence of approximately 100 world leaders, foreign dignitaries, and celebrities. The total cost of the event was broken down into $63.6 million for the ceremony itself and an additional $27.3 million spent on security measures and policing.
King Charles, adorned in fur and velvet robes with intricate gold details, sat on the ancient Coronation Chair while the Archbishop of Canterbury placed the dazzling St. Edward’s Crown on his head. The cultural department described it as a “once-in-a-generation moment” that brought the entire country together in celebration and showcased the UK to the world.
While the cost of King Charles’ coronation was significant, it paled in comparison to the expenses incurred during Queen Elizabeth’s funeral in 2022, which totaled $203.9 million. The reduced price tag of the coronation was seen as a nod to modernization within the royal family, especially during a time when many citizens were grappling with economic challenges such as inflation and increased living costs.
Despite Buckingham Palace’s assertion that the event would provide an economic boost to the country, critics like Graham Smith, CEO of Republic, voiced their disapproval of the extravagant spending. Smith referred to the cost as “obscene,” highlighting the disparity between the lavish ceremony and the pressing issues of child poverty and rising living costs in the country.
While the coronation of King Charles marked a significant moment in British history, the debate over the cost of such grandiose events continues to spark controversy and discussions about the role and expenses of the monarchy in modern society.
