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King Charles III Pays 12.9 Million Pounds in Taxes
๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Germany /Culture & Society

King Charles III Pays 12.9 Million Pounds in Taxes

From Der Spiegel · () German

Translated from German, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • King Charles III has publicly disclosed his tax payments for the first time, paying 12.9 million pounds in income and capital gains tax for the 2024/25 tax year.
  • This transparency move aims to strengthen public trust in the monarchy, with heir Prince William also publishing his tax data.
  • The King and Queen Camilla will continue residing at Clarence House after renovations, as Buckingham Palace will remain a ceremonial center and open to the public.

King Charles III has fulfilled a promise of transparency by publicly revealing his tax contributions for the first time. For the 2024/25 tax year, the British monarch paid 12.9 million pounds (approximately 16.1 million euros) in income and capital gains tax, an increase from the 11.7 million pounds paid the previous year. This disclosure is an unusual step, as the King is not legally obligated to make his tax affairs public. The Royal Household stated that this move is intended to bolster public confidence in the monarchy.

Charles had voluntarily shared insights into his tax payments as Prince of Wales, but this marks the first time he has done so as the reigning monarch. His son and heir, Prince William, also published his tax data, reporting 7.76 million pounds for the past tax year, slightly less than the year before. The announcement was made alongside the release of the Royal Finances report.

Separately, it was revealed that King Charles III and Queen Camilla will not return to Buckingham Palace after its extensive, multi-million-pound renovation is completed. The palace, undergoing a 369 million-pound refurbishment since 2017 and expected to finish next year, will remain the monarchy's ceremonial and administrative hub. However, the royal couple will continue to reside at their current home, Clarence House. The decision to keep Buckingham Palace closed to private residence aims to create more space for visitors and public events.

This financial disclosure occurs as the Royal Family increasingly emphasizes transparency. Amidst ongoing criticism, particularly concerning Prince Andrew's association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, Charles is working to present the monarchy as a modern and accountable institution.

With the disclosure, the Royal Household wants to strengthen trust in the monarchy.

โ€” Royal HouseholdExplaining the motivation behind King Charles III's public tax disclosure.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Der Spiegel in German. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.