
Anti-Monarchist activists in the UK claim that the Royal family costs the British taxpayer much more than they realize. The Republic group, which campaigns to abolish the British Crown, said that the Sovereign Grant – the Royal family’s funding – is officially £86 ($115) million a year, but the true cost is closer to £510 ($680) million. Graham Smith, who leads the organization, argues that while the government cuts winter fuel allowance for British pensioners, it is a “scandalous abuse of public money” to spend so much on the Royal family.
Smith says the biggest expense is security, which costs roughly £150 ($200) million annually. He arrives at the higher total by including “lost income” to the taxpayer, including money the family generates through its properties. The total also includes potential earnings if Royal residences were used for commercial purposes.
Republic believes Britain would be a fairer and more democratic country without the Monarchy, which it describes as fundamentally corrupt. It calls for an elected head of state who is independent of Parliament and tasked with overseeing its activities and ensuring it doesn’t abuse the rights of the people. Public opinion suggests, however, that the mood is shifting in the opposite direction.
Polling this year revealed that support for the Royal family is growing, with 60% in favor of maintaining the institution—a 5% increase from the previous year. Only 28% say they want to abolish the Monarchy, and 45% believe the UK would be worse off without it. That figure has also risen from 38% in 2023.
Royal experts say the rise in popularity is mainly attributable to the Prince and Princess of Wales, who enjoy the highest levels of public approval. The future King, Prince William, and his wife, Kate Middleton, are supported by 70% and represent the future of the Monarchy.
The least popular family member is disgraced Jeffrey Epstein associate Prince Andrew, with just 12% favorability. Meghan Markle is almost as unpopular, with the approval of just 25% of the British people. The once popular Prince Harry has dropped to 31%, and the King has the support of 56%.