Cost of King Charles III's Coronation Ceremony Sparks Controversy Amid Economic Strain

The coronation of King Charles III last year cost an estimated £72 million ($90.7 million), according to official figures released on Thursday night.

Critics have slammed the exorbitant cost, arguing that such an expense, funded by taxpayers, is excessive and unreasonable given the current economic pressures and widespread austerity faced by many Britons. The ceremony’s costs were broken down with £50.3 million spent by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), and £21.7 million allocated for security arrangements by the Home Office.

King Charles was formally crowned in May at Westminster Abbey, a grand event attended by numerous dignitaries from around the world. The following day, a major concert was held at Windsor Castle to celebrate the occasion.

The reported cost, which had been speculated to reach £100 million, is expected to reignite criticism, particularly amid ongoing allegations of corruption within the British royal family. Opposition groups argue that royal expenses and financial privileges are excessive and unfair, especially during such challenging economic times.

The UK economy, still recovering from the post-COVID-19 pandemic crisis, has been burdened by rising inflation, which has significantly impacted the standard of living for many citizens. Experts contend that, as a massively wealthy individual, King Charles III should have borne a larger share of the expenses himself.

Research indicates that more than 50% of British citizens believe the government should not have covered the costs of the coronation ceremony.

In addition to the coronation costs, calls for greater transparency regarding the royal family's personal wealth have gained traction. Multiple investigations have raised concerns about the royal family's financial benefits from public institutions and substantial tax exemptions.

In its annual report, DCMS defended the event, calling it "a historic moment" enjoyed by millions in the UK and across the world. The department also emphasized that the ceremony was successfully coordinated in partnership with the royal family and was a rare opportunity to strengthen the UK’s national identity and showcase the country to the global stage.