A surprising decision has been revealed following the publication of a report by the National Audit Office, an independent body responsible for overseeing the funding of British institutions.
Queen Camilla declined to accept a substantial sum of money that was received by her late husband, Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, during the reign of Queen Elizabeth.
Queen Camilla’s salary
Specifically, Queen Camilla has chosen not to receive the annual allowance, valued at 360 thousand pounds (approximately 471 thousand dollars), designated by the British Parliament.
This allowance was previously granted to her father-in-law, Duke Philip of Edinburgh, until his passing in 2021.
The expenses related to Queen Camilla’s duties will now be covered by the Sovereign Fund, a publicly managed capital administered by the government. In addition to covering the Royal Household’s expenses, the fund also provides for the maintenance of the royal properties.
The aforementioned report highlights the need for increased transparency in the reign of Charles III.
One notable observation is the expected rise in the number of events attended by the king, which will consequently lead to increased expenditure.
This change in the financing of the British monarchy has not occurred since 2011, when Queen Elizabeth II transitioned from receiving payments and subsidies from the government to obtaining income through the Sovereign Wealth Fund.
Furthermore, this wealth was diminished in her final years due to the reduction in official engagements resulting from the pandemic.
Interestingly, Prince Philip did receive the funds that Queen Camilla has now declined. Despite changes in the regulations, a provision was maintained to prevent any alterations.
Camilla’s decision to restrain public spending is also motivated by inflation. As a result, Buckingham Palace has abandoned plans to establish an external visitor center, as it was deemed financially unviable.
During the last fiscal year, the total expenditure of the British Royal Family amounted to 117.3 million pounds (approximately 153.56 million dollars).