King Charles’s coronation has been met with criticism over its estimated £100 million cost, with some arguing that the funds could have been better spent elsewhere. The event reached a global audience of two billion people in 125 countries, but public opinion remains divided on its value and necessity.
Estimated Final Bill
The final bill of King Charles’s coronation is yet to be disclosed but is estimated to be over £100 million.
Public Opinion
A poll by YouGov before the coronation showed that more than half of Britons believed the government should not be funding the event. The DCMS, however, said that the events “offered a unique opportunity to celebrate and strengthen our national identity and showcase the UK to the world”.
Economic Context
Britain’s economy has suffered post-Brexit, from the COVID-19 pandemic, and now high-inflationary pressures stemming from global conflicts. Meanwhile, economic growth has stalled, taking a toll on people’s standard of living.
Response from the DCMS
The DCMS said that the events “offered a unique opportunity to celebrate and strengthen our national identity and showcase the UK to the world”.
Video Coverage
To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video. The King celebrates second coronation in Scotland.
List of Attendees
The King’s youngest son, Prince Harry, flew in from California for the ceremony, but his wife Meghan and their two children did not join him. Celebrity guests inside the Abbey included British acting royalty Emma Thompson, Judi Dench, and Stephen Fry, as well as international stars such as US singers Lionel Richie and Katy Perry.
Background
By the end of March 2024, the Duchy of Lancaster had £647m of net assets under its control.
Criticism and Controversy
There had been criticism aimed at the public funding of the Coronation, which came during a cost-of-living crisis in the UK. A poll carried out by YouGov the month before the Coronation revealed that 52% of Londoners did not believe the Coronation should be paid for by taxpayers.
Estimated Global Audience
The DCMS annual accounts report released on Thursday said the Coronation reached an estimated global audience of two billion people in 125 countries, saying it “offered a unique opportunity to celebrate and strengthen our national identity and showcase the UK to the world”.
Campaign Group Republic’s Response
Campaign group Republic called the Coronation a “pointless, archaic parade” and said the money spent could have paid for free school meals. Chief executive Graham Smith said: “At a time when so many people are struggling with the cost of living crisis, it is shameful that Charles insisted on this pointless extravaganza”.
Number of Heads of State Attending
The Foreign Office said in total, 90 heads of state were in attendance, as well as the first ladies of the United States and Ukraine, representing the presidents of their respective countries.
In May 2023, King Charles was crowned monarch in a ceremony at Westminster Abbey, attended by dignitaries from around the world. The event marked the beginning of his reign following the passing of Queen Elizabeth II.
Critics argued that the public funding of the coronation was excessive, given the country’s cost-of-living crisis and stretched public funds. A poll conducted by YouGov before the event showed that 52% of Londoners believed the government should not be funding the event.
Estimated Costs
The final bill for the coronation is yet to be disclosed but is estimated to be over £100 million. This amount has sparked debate about taxpayer spending on royal events, particularly during a time when the country is struggling with economic pressures and high inflation.
Global Reach and Impact
Despite criticism, the DCMS reported that the coronation reached an estimated global audience of two billion people in 125 countries, showcasing the UK to the world. However, campaign group Republic called the event a “pointless, archaic parade” and suggested that the money spent could have been used for more pressing needs, such as providing free school meals.
Assets and Funding
The Duchy of Lancaster had £647m of net assets under its control by the end of March 2024. This funding source has been a subject of interest, given the controversy surrounding public funding for royal events.
Key Figures and Attendance
Notable attendees included Prince Harry, who flew in from California for the ceremony, as well as celebrity guests such as Emma Thompson, Judi Dench, Stephen Fry, Lionel Richie, and Katy Perry. The Foreign Office reported that 90 heads of state were in attendance, along with first ladies representing the presidents of the United States and Ukraine.
Public Reaction
Thousands of people packed the Mall in London to watch the procession, despite rainy conditions. A star-studded concert took place at Windsor Castle the following night, featuring various artists. However, public opinion remains divided on the value and necessity of such events during times of economic hardship.
