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4 things about the royal finances this year that will totally surprise you

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 Queen Elizabeth II  (Getty Images)
Queen Elizabeth II (Getty Images)

Cape Town – Every year, the royal family gives the public a glimpse into their finances.

On Tuesday, The Royal Household published its annual financial statement for the financial year.

The report takes a look at how taxpayers money is being used for renovations on residences, the upkeep of Buckingham Place, and official trips to name a few.

During the financial year (18/19), the royal family had 3 200 official engagements. Queen Elizabeth, 93, had 140 royal engagements in the UK.

Here are four things about the royal finances this year that will surprise you.

1. How much do the royals cost British taxpayers?

The Sovereign Grant which funds the Queens' official duties was given £82.2m (R1497 046 877,99) for the year. According to the report, the monarchy cost British citizens £1.24 (R22.67) per person. Half of the money went to the upkeep of Buckingham Palace and other royal residences, including renovations to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's new home, Frogmore Cottage. 

READ MORE: Buckingham Palace renovations and increased trips cost UK taxpayers more

2.  Prince Philip's aide hasn't increased since 1992

Even though the Duke of Edinburgh retired from his official duties in 2017, he still receives a stipend from the Treasury of £359 000 (R6 554 144.26) to run his private office. This amount hasn't increased since 1992, and the queen supplements the amount to make up for the difference, reports the DailyMail.

3.  Prince Charles' income

The Duchy of Cornwall, a private estate, funds the public charity and private activities of the Prince of Wales and his family.

His income for the year was £21.6m (R393 561 773,57) of which he paid £4.7m (R85 641 426) in tax.

4. The cost of royal trips decreased

According to the report, the cost of royal trips decreased by £100 000 (R1 825 666,92) from previous years to £4.6m (R73 026 687,93).

The Duke and Duchess of Cornwall's royal tour to the Caribbean in March was the most expensive trip of the year. It cost £416 576 (R7 605 290,25). The royal couple had more than 50 engagements on ten different Islands and included a visit to Cuba.

READ MORE: Prince Charles and Camilla first royals to visit Cuba

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex's tour of Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, and Tonga came in at number four, costing £81 002 (R1 478 826,72).

The royal train was used five times last year, which cost £22 000 (R 401 646,72) per trip.

Queen Elizabeth used it twice and one of the trips was with Meghan on her first official solo engagement with the queen to Cheshire.

READ MORE: The Duchess of Sussex and Queen Elizabeth have the best time together on royal duty

Prince Charles who is the only other royal allowed to use the train used it thrice.


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