Crisis-Plagued Britain Paid $91 Million For King Charles’ Coronation

The coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla in May 2023 cost British taxpayers £72 million ($91 million), a sum some have deemed excessive, Anna Cooban and Max Foster reported for CNN.

While royal supporters argue that the monarchy delivers economic benefits by boosting tourism and consumer spending, critics labeled the coronation an extravagant display of wealth. I Photo: HM Government Wikimedia Commons

According to the Department for Culture, Media, and Sport, the event, described as a “once-in-a-generation” occasion, cost just over £50 million ($63 million) to coordinate. The Home Office contributed nearly £22 million ($28 million) for policing.

It was the first coronation in the UK since Queen Elizabeth II’s in 1953.

“The 2023 coronation provided an occasion for the entire country to come together in celebration and offered a unique opportunity to strengthen national identity and showcase the UK to the world,” the culture department noted, highlighting that the event reached an estimated audience of 2 billion people across 125 countries.

While royal supporters argue that the monarchy delivers economic benefits by boosting tourism and consumer spending, critics labeled the coronation an extravagant display of wealth, citing the gold carriage procession and royal jewels.

This criticism came against the backdrop of a cost-of-living crisis, where millions of Britons were struggling with soaring energy and grocery bills.