London:

The coronation of King Charles III last year cost British taxpayers 72 million pounds ($90.7 million), official accounts released late Thursday revealed.

Critics have argued that taxpayer spending on the events was too high and out of touch, given the huge demands placed on public funds and the economy by many Britons in recent years.

The figures show the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) spent £50.3m, while the Home Office spent a total of £21.7m on policing the “Once in a Generation” event.

Charles was formally crowned King in May 2023 at Westminster Abbey in a ceremony attended by dignitaries from around the world.

The next night there was a star-studded concert at Windsor Castle.

The revelation of the final bill, which was estimated at more than £100 million, is nevertheless set to spark fresh condemnation from anti-monarchists in Britain.

He has been increasing his criticism of the royal family and what he says are excessive and unfair financial benefits it receives during difficult times.

The country is reeling from post-pandemic cost pressures, with inflation at a multi-decade high for much of last year, while living standards have plummeted as economic growth flatlines.

Skeptics also note that Britain’s monarch, who receives more public money than his European counterparts, is a millionaire able to cover the institution’s high bills.

More than half of Britons told pollsters YouGov ahead of the coronation that the government should not fund it.

The royal family this month faced calls for more transparency and reform into their private estates, following an investigation into accusations that they were taking advantage of public institutions while taking advantage of huge tax breaks.

In its annual report and accounts, DCMS said it had “successfully delivered on the main weekend of His Majesty King Charles III’s coronation, which was enjoyed by millions of people in the UK and around the world”.

DCMS was the lead government department working with the royal family on the coronation, which it described as a “once-in-a-lifetime moment”.

It added that the events provided a “unique opportunity to celebrate and strengthen our national identity and showcase Britain to the world”.

(Other than the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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