To the People of the United Kingdom,

The British royal family has long been a symbol of national pride, tradition, and continuity. However, their immense and largely secretive wealth has increasingly become a matter of public concern. At a time when ordinary citizens are struggling with the rising cost of living, cuts to public services, and increased taxes, it is time to demand financial accountability and fairness from the monarchy.

We urge you to join us in calling for the royal family to pay their fair share of taxes and for greater transparency in their finances. Sign this petition to demand change.

Why This Matters

 

1. Hidden Wealth

For decades, the royal family has maintained a veil of secrecy around their finances. A prime example of this is their use of legal procedures to keep the wills of deceased family members secret. This lack of transparency has shielded their wealth from public scrutiny, raising concerns about fairness and accountability.

2. Tax Benefits and Exemptions

The royal family benefits from privileges not available to ordinary citizens:

 

Duchies of Lancaster and Cornwall: These vast estates are exempt from UK corporation and capital gains taxes, despite generating significant income. They even profit from public services, such as charging the Ministry of Defence for access to moor boats and refuel warships.

 

Sovereign Grant: This government funding, based on the profits of the Crown Estate, provides approximately £86 million of taxpayer money annually to the monarchy for their official duties.

 

Public Funding: The royal family receives millions in public money while the country faces financial strain.

 

3. Additional Sources of Income

Beyond public funding, the royal family earns money through:

 

Deals with cash-strapped public institutions, such as the NHS.

Arrangements with other government ministries that further strain public resources

 

Criticism and Calls for Reform

Many critics believe these financial privileges are outdated and exploitative. Investigations, such as Channel 4’s Dispatches: The King, The Prince and Their Secret Millions, have revealed how the royal family has continued to benefit from these arrangements while maintaining financial secrecy.

 

There is growing public sentiment that it is unfair for a wealthy institution to enjoy tax exemptions and public funding while ordinary citizens shoulder the burden of rising taxes and austerity measures. Critics have also called for the abolition of the Duchies of Lancaster and Cornwall as independent sources of royal income.

 

What We Demand

1. Transparency: Full public disclosure of the royal family’s wealth and income sources, including the publication of wills.

2. Tax Equality: The royal family must pay corporation tax, capital gains tax, and inheritance tax, just as any other citizen or institution is required to do.

3. Reform of Public Funding: A review of the Sovereign Grant and all public funding provided to the monarchy to ensure it is justified and proportionate.

4. Abolishment of Special Privileges: End the tax-exempt status of the Duchies of Lancaster and Cornwall.

 

Why Your Voice Matters

This is not a question of opposing the monarchy as an institution but about fairness, equality, and accountability. Every pound saved from tax exemptions and hidden wealth could be reinvested into critical public services like healthcare, education, and housing.

 

By signing this petition, you join a movement calling for a fairer and more transparent system. Together, we can ensure that the royal family, like every other citizen or institution, contributes their fair share to the nation they serve.

Let’s demand financial accountability and fairness. Sign the petition now!