News that the Crown Estate returned record profits of £285m last year means the Queen is expected to receive a further £2m in public funding next year. Have you ever wondered how rich the Queen is, and where her wealth comes from?
Despite the fact that many details of the Queen's income are released for the public to peruse, Her Majesty's exact wealth is not known because she is not required to reveal her private finances.
According to the Sunday Times Rich List 2015, her estimated fortune is £340m, up £10m from last year.
Last year the Sovreign Grant was £37.9m, of which the Queen spent £35.7m which pays for staffing costs, property maintenance, travel, utilities and housekeeping, among other things.
Technically the Crown Estate belongs to the reigning monarch for the duration of their reign, but in practice it cannot be sold by them.
The privy purse is a private income for the Queen, which is primarily used to pay for expenses incurred by other members of the Royal Family. Investment portfolios, personal property, the royal stamp collection, art, jewels, cars, horses and the Queen Mother's legacy, all add to her personal fortune along with the Royal Collection, which includes the Crown Jewels and works of art. It contains more than a million objects and is worth £10bn, but it is not included in the Queen's wealth because it is held in trust for her successors and country.
Her private income includes old master prints, historical photographs, furniture, books, and other works of art. It is kept between a number of locations, such as Hampton Court Palace and Windsor Castle.
Source BBC.
The most powerful woman on the planet met the most famous woman in the world when Chancellor Angela Merkel welcomed the Queen to Germany at the Chancellery near the Reichstag in Berlin at the start of her four day tour.
There is also news that the Queen might have to move out of Buckingham Palace amid £151million of repairs. I think she has enough properties at her disposal to find comfort elsewhere.
But, would she want to?
Working tirelessly for her country since she made the vow at her coronation in June 1953, the Queen has indeed fulfilled her role.
But, who knows about the cost to her?
“Happily ever after is not a fairy tale. It’s a choice.” -Fawn Weaver
With countless wealth at her disposal, Elizabeth 11 might seem to live a fairy tale life of happily ever after. But, could you go on for 52 years doing your duty to your country and your spouse?