The royal privileges enjoyed by the United Kingdom’s monarchy have once again been put under the spotlight. Charles III is not expected to pay inheritance tax on the late Queen Elizabeth II’s fortune, a privilege that would normally reduce a private estate by a sizable sum. The monarch’s personal wealth is estimated at about 370 million pounds, equivalent to roughly 427 million euros. For any other citizen, such a bequest would trigger a 40 percent tax liability, around 170 million euros, but the king appears exempt from this rule.
When the Queen began paying taxes, a rule was set that in the event of the monarch’s death the entire fortune would pass to the successor. Critics argue this arrangement is unfair, and groups like TAX Justice UK, led by Robert Palmer, have campaigned to end the special treatment of the royal household and ensure that the full value of the estate contributes to public finances. The campaign emphasizes that tax fairness should apply to the crown as it does to ordinary citizens.
brutal decision
Elizabeth II’s passing also brings collateral impact. For some, the formal transition coincides with job losses that threaten access to essential services and appointments, highlighting the broader consequences of a change in royal household structure.
A vigil was held in Edinburgh at Saint Giles Cathedral to honor the sovereign, while around Clarence House, where Charles had served as heir, staff received notices of potential dismissal. The Guardian reported that many who are affected have worked at the royal residence for decades, including financiers, accountants, communications staff, and private secretaries who supported the Prince of Wales. The layoffs were announced as Elizabeth II’s death prompted careful planning for a dignified funeral and a seamless transition of duties.
The civil servants union criticized the move as severe. Mark Serwoca, secretary general of the Public and Commercial Services Union, described the pace and scale of the announcements as brutal while acknowledging that some changes were anticipated given the evolving roles within the royal family.
canceled medical appointments
As the funeral timetable drew near, the country observed a national pause with the Queen’s day of mourning declared. Public life slowed: supermarkets, schools, and sports facilities closed while hospitality venues remained intermittently open. The disruption affected thousands of scheduled public health visits, with many routine appointments, including care from family doctors, surgeons, and pharmacists, being postponed. The impact was most acute for patients with cancer, heart conditions, and maternity care. Emergency services continued, but the system faced strain as millions wait for care in a stretched public health framework. The long weekend further strained charitable organizations and food banks as people faced practical challenges at a time of national mourning.
angry gestures
The early public moments of the new king included a few tense gestures that drew attention. During the proclamation ceremony, an aide was asked to raise a ceremonial item, an incident that reflected the weight of ceremonial duties on the monarch. In Northern Ireland, a separate misstep involved ink staining the date card, which the king commented on with visible frustration. Observers noted that such moments can shape public perception of a monarch in the early days of their reign, underscoring the pressure to balance tradition with modern expectations.
At every turn, the transition reveals tensions between longstanding privileges and contemporary calls for accountability. Supporters argue that the Crown remains a symbol of continuity, while critics push for greater transparency in how royal wealth and public engagements are managed. The conversation continues to unfold across constitutional and social landscapes, reflecting a nation navigating its evolving identity in the 21st century.