EXCLUSIVE: Royal Family Sparks Fresh Outrage Over Huge Handouts From Broke Taxpayers as Sleaze Scandals Continue to Ravage The Firm's Brand
King Charles and the monarchy have received more backlash.
April 6 2026, Published 6:30 p.m. ET
King Charles has sparked fresh outrage over trousering huge handouts from broke British taxpayers as royal funding surges during a cost-of-living crisis, and scandals continue to batter the monarchy's image.
RadarOnline.com can reveal Charles, 77, is facing mounting criticism after the Sovereign Grant – the public funding allocated to support official royal duties – rose sharply in recent years, as millions of UK citizens struggle financially.
Sovereignty Grant Climbs By Nearly $62million Over Three Years
King Charles is facing fresh outrage over a surge in royal funding from taxpayers.
The increase has fueled claims the monarchy is receiving massively inflated handouts from hard-pressed taxpayers, with critics arguing the timing is particularly "sickening" given ongoing reputational fallout linked to scandals, including ex-Prince Andrew's links to pedophile Jeffrey Epstein.
The Sovereign Grant has climbed by nearly £50million – approximately $62million – over three years to reach almost £138million (about $172million), in the current financial year. The funding supports property maintenance, travel, and staffing, including 539 employees.
A significant portion has been allocated toward extensive repairs to Buckingham Palace, a project expected to cost £369million – roughly $460million. According to official accounts, $51million was spent on royal property upkeep and about $5.8million on travel, including roughly $590,000 on 141 helicopter flights.
A 'Politically Toxic' Decision
Critics have labeled the increased handouts as sickening during the cost-of-living crisis.
A political source said: "For many households in the UK right now, every bill feels like a stretch, so seeing what are being described as huge handouts going to an already wealthy institution is politically toxic.
"It creates a stark contrast between the daily pressures people are facing and the financial protections the monarchy appears to enjoy, and that's becoming increasingly hard to justify in the public eye."
The insider added: "There's also a wider reputational issue at play. With controversy and past scandals still lingering over The Firm, this level of taxpayer support risks reinforcing the idea that the monarchy operates under a different set of rules. Rather than calming criticism, it is deepening frustration and fueling the perception that accountability is lacking at a time when trust is already under strain."
Monarchy on Brink of 'Tipping Point'?
Chancellor Rachel Reeves faces pressure to take a firmer stance on royal finances.
Senior Labour Party figures have called for closer scrutiny of royal finances, with Chancellor Rachel Reeves under pressure to take a firmer stance.
Politicians in the UK have labeled aspects of royal income as "disgraceful," pointing to reports that charities have been charged high rents on properties linked to the Duchy of Cornwall.
Meanwhile, there are also warnings the monarchy risks appearing increasingly disconnected from everyday life.
Another source said, "There is an unmistakable feeling that the monarchy is approaching a tipping point when it comes to public tolerance. The idea of an institution as rich in cashflow and property still takes inflated money from taxpayers at a time it is mired in sleaze accusations, actually beggars belief."
"Despite the arguments that the royals bring in tourism money, there is now a growing sense this institution should be scrapped. They are on the verge of mutiny."
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Prince William and the King have derived private income from the Duchy estates.
Beyond the Sovereign Grant, King Charles III and Prince William, 43, derive private income from the Duchy of Lancaster and the Duchy of Cornwall, estates that have generated the equivalent of around $1.5billion over the past 70 years.
These revenues include rental income from public bodies such as the NHS, schools, and the armed forces, as well as charities.
Buckingham Palace said: "The Sovereign Grant is reviewed every five years by the Royal Trustees to ensure the level of funding for the royal household remains appropriate."
The Treasury also confirmed the funding arrangement is currently under review, as debate intensifies over how the monarchy is financed and whether reforms are needed to reflect changing public expectations.
