Skip to content 
Search

Latest Stories

Coronation of King Charles III: Half of British population unwilling to pay for it

According to the poll conducted with 4,246 adults, younger people were the least supportive of having the government fund the upcoming coronation of King Charles III

Coronation of King Charles III: Half of British population unwilling to pay for it

As the coronation of King Charles III approaches, a new poll by YouGov conducted and published on Tuesday (18) has revealed that over half of the British population is against the idea of funding the ceremony with taxpayers' money.

The poll found that 51 per cent of the respondents believed that the government should not pay for the coronation, while only 32 per cent were in favour of it. The rest, around 18 per cent, did not have a clear opinion.


This comes at a time when the country is grappling with a severe cost-of-living crisis and widespread strikes across public and private sectors due to high inflation rates. These factors are believed to have dampened the enthusiasm for the upcoming celebrations, with many people questioning the need for lavish spending currently.

While the government has not disclosed the total cost of the coronation, it is expected to run into tens of millions of pounds, including the expenses for the Westminster Abbey ceremony on May 6 and Windsor Castle concert on May 7 among the set-piece events, as well as the cost of the extensive security measures.

The additional bank holiday on May 8 also comes at an extra economic cost.

The coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953 cost £912,000, equivalent to £20.5 million today. Meanwhile, the coronation of Charles' grandfather George VI in 1937, cost £454,000, equivalent to £24.8 million in 2023.

According to the poll conducted with 4,246 adults, younger people were the least supportive of having the government fund the upcoming coronation of King Charles III.

Specifically, 62 per cent of those aged 18 to 24 were opposed to the coronation being government-funded, while only 15 per cent were in favour. In contrast, 43 per cent of over-65s supported taxpayers funding the coronation, while 44 per cent were against it.

Government minister Oliver Dowden has reassured the public that the monarchy is "mindful of ensuring that there is value for the taxpayer" and will not indulge in "lavishness or excess."

"It is a marvellous moment in our history and people would not want a dour scrimping and scraping," Dowden told a parliamentary committee earlier this year.

However, Graham Smith, chief executive of campaign group Republic has called the upcoming landmark occasion an "expensive pantomime" and a "slap in the face for millions of people struggling with the cost-of-living crisis".

The total cost and funding breakdown for the event will not be available until after May 6, similar to other royal occasions like jubilees.

(With inputs from AFP)

More For You

Starmer-Getty

Starmer is facing a Labour backbench revolt over plans to reform special needs support in schools without guaranteeing existing legal rights. (Photo: Getty Images)

Getty Images)

Starmer faces Labour pushback over SEND reform plans

KEIR STARMER is facing a backlash from Labour MPs over plans to reform special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) support, after ministers stopped short of guaranteeing legal rights for parents.

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said the government was committed to reforming the current system, which costs £12 billion a year. However, she did not confirm if legally enforceable rights, such as those provided by education, health and care plans (EHCPs), would remain.

Keep ReadingShow less
Heavy rain and thunderstorms hit London

Londoners faced a wet and stormy start to the week

iStock

Heavy rain and thunderstorms hit London before 30°C heatwave

Key points

  • Heavy rain and thunderstorms drench London at the start of the week
  • Temperatures set to rise with highs of 31°C expected by Thursday
  • Heatwave could be declared by Friday if warm conditions persist
  • Night-time temperatures to remain high, increasing discomfort
  • UV and pollen levels forecast to be very high across the south

Thunderstorms soak London before summer heat returns

Londoners faced a wet and stormy start to the week as heavy rain and overnight thunderstorms swept through the capital. Monday morning saw widespread downpours, leaving commuters reaching for umbrellas and Wimbledon ticket hopefuls queuing in ponchos.

The unsettled conditions followed a burst of thunderstorms on Sunday afternoon and continued into the early hours of Monday, prompting caution across the city. The Met Office has not issued a formal weather warning for thunderstorms, but conditions remain unstable.

Keep ReadingShow less
National Trust sets vision to heal
nature and engage more Asians

Lisa Nandy, Steve Reed, René Olivieri and Hilary McGrady at a National Trust event marking its 130th anniversary

National Trust sets vision to heal nature and engage more Asians

THE National Trust, which is seeking to broaden its appeal to British Asians, is marking its 130th anniversary with a renewed commitment to restoring nature and widening access under a 10-year strategy.

Its director-general, Hilary McGrady, also aims to inspire more people to get involved in caring for the country’s natural resources.

Keep ReadingShow less
 7/7 bombings

The King said the public should draw on the 'extraordinary courage and compassion' shown in response to the attacks. (Photo credit: X/@RoyalFamily)

Starmer and King Charles pay tribute on 20th anniversary of 7/7 bombings

PRIME MINISTER Keir Starmer and King Charles on Monday paid tribute to the unity shown in the aftermath of the 7 July bombings in London, as the country marked 20 years since the attacks.

On 7 July 2005, four Islamist extremists carried out suicide bombings at Aldgate Station, Edgware Road, King's Cross and Tavistock Square. The attacks killed 52 people and injured hundreds more.

Keep ReadingShow less
Navroop Singh

Navroop Singh was convicted of five charges including rape and was sentenced on July 4 at Isleworth Crown Court. (Photo credit: Metropolitan Police)

Man jailed for life over rape and attempted rape in west London

A 24-year-old man has been sentenced to life in prison for rape, attempted rape and firearm offences following a Metropolitan Police investigation in west London.

Navroop Singh, of Mellow Lane East, Hayes, was convicted of five charges including rape and was sentenced on Friday, July 4 at Isleworth Crown Court. He must serve a minimum of 14 years.

Keep ReadingShow less