BBC viewers fume 'outrageous' as David Dimbleby lays royal finances bare
BBC viewers were left fuming over the second episode of David Dimbleby's What's the Monarchy For? on Tuesday December 9 as the veteran broadcaster gave an insight into the Royal Family's finances. He explained their property portfolio and exactly how much rent they pay on properties as well as looking at the value of their jewels. But it was their tax affairs and the aftermath of the fire at Windsor Castle in 1992, which sparked public backlash when it appeared the government were initally going to pay for the repairs, that irked viewers watching at home."Totally outrageous UK taxpayers paid for fire at Windsor Castle went up in smoke. More outrageous to suggest we paid because we, the public, own it. How does that manifest itself Mr Dimbleby? Royal wealth, £1.2bn, is shrouded in deliberate secrecy," one person raged on X. "Real eye opener on how much wealth the Royals have & how they’re not included in all taxes levied on ‘normal’ people," another observed.A third chimed in: "I can think of a million reasons why we shouldn't have them. Many are struggling and the royals are making more money than ever."A fourth asked: "Why are these super rich people allowed to get richer and richer, and not pay tax? Everyone should be contributing towards society including the super rich. They should not be exempt & should pay their taxes like everyone else. IMO."(sic)A fifth speculated: "This rather excellent Dimbleby programme is going to bring down the king. We can but hope."However some people were prepared to give them the benefit of the doubt with one social media user pointing out they are not in a position to spend their money freely."I am...old enough to remember a time when The Queen was right at the top of the Rich List...Like poverty, wealth is relative. All the more so since these estimates may well be not just speculative but also theoretical. How free was The Queen to use her fortune?"Just imagine the rumpus if The Queen had dared bail out Sarah Ferguson in her hour of need? Was The Queen ever really free to use her fortune as she might have wished to help out her younger children - other than when scandals risked damaging a national celebration?" she asked.Despite the negative remarks King Charles III voluntarily pays income tax and capital gains tax on income from his private estates and personal investments despite the fact he is not legally required to pay most taxes.He is exempt from paying inheritance tax on assets passed from one sovereign to the next.
