Monarchy’s U.K. tab: $60.8 million

LONDON — Buckingham Palace released its accounts Thursday, which showed the monarchy cost British taxpayers $60.8 million last year — just under $1 for everyone in the country.

That is 7.2 percent, or about $4.3 million, more than the year before. The increase is mainly explained by the British royal family’s repair bills.

More than a third of the money British taxpayers paid for the monarchy, led by Queen Elizabeth II, was spent on repairs, improvements and maintenance of aging palaces.

Buckingham Palace has 240 bedrooms and 78 bathrooms.

A big part of the maintenance budget in the 12 months that ended March 31 went to creating a suitable home for the family of Prince William, his wife Kate and their toddler Prince George.

About $5.8 million of taxpayer funds were used to refurbish part of London’s Kensington Palace for the couple.

The extensive work included removing asbestos, installing new heating and redecorating.

Upcoming Events