Ex-Member of Parliament Norman Baker recently questioned King Charles over rising Royal Family costs at the expense of taxpayers. He asked why the costs are increasing when the size of the Royal Family has been reduced. In a counterargument, another expert explained why the costs could differ, comparing Norway’s monarchy with the British Royal Family.
Norman Baker says the public cost of the monarchy has increased despite a smaller roster of working royals
During a conversation with GB News, Norman Baker accused King Charles of the increasing cost of the working royals despite the slimming down of the monarchy. He noted, “Every time there’s a calculation, it benefits the Royal Family, and there’s no excuse for that.”
The ex-MP further said, “Charles said he wants a slimmed-down monarchy, but what does that actually mean?” He claimed that fewer royals are now carrying out official duties due to what he called “natural waste,” while acknowledging that the term was “unkind.”
Baker noted that five people who don’t perform royal duties anymore, including Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, late Prince Philip, and the late Queen Elizabeth. Given there are fewer working royals, he added that the cost should have naturally come down but has rather gone up.
Baker also slammed the Royal Family for misleading the public when it comes to finances. “It wasn’t a cut at all; it increased. We have this time and time again. Every time there’s a recalculation of royal finances, the Palace tells us there’s good value for money. It never is. It’s always good value for the Royal Family,” Baker added, referring to the canceled Royal Train project and it being replaced by two helicopters.
On the other hand, Robert Hazell, Emeritus Professor of Government and the Constitution at University College London, explained what could lead to the higher cost in a country like the UK. He provided the example of Norway, stating that there are only four royal people and the population is smaller compared to the UK.
“The UK, with a population of almost 70 million, needs a bigger royal team to serve that much larger population, with royal visits etc., and to look after the 14 Commonwealth realms,” Hazell explained.
