The Billionaire King's Secrets: Unveiling the Royal Financial Enigma
In the midst of the Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor scandal, a timely documentary series, "What's the Monarchy For?", has sparked curiosity and controversy. With half of Britain questioning the monarchy's relevance, this series, presented by the esteemed David Dimbleby, delves into the heart of royalty. But here's where it gets intriguing: the BBC, known as royalty's "ringmaster," attempts a different approach, leaving some key questions unanswered.
The series hints at the power dynamics and financial secrets of the royal family, but an editorial decision to separate power and money episodes creates a missed opportunity. The episode on power revisits political moments, including Boris Johnson's controversial move, while Dimbleby questions the monarchy's constitutional limitations. However, the real power lies in the episode about money, where the focus shifts to royal wealth.
Dimbleby teams up with investigative journalist David Pegg to expose King Charles as the richest monarch in modern British history, a billionaire on the throne. The episode reveals the monarchy's unique tax status: no inheritance tax, voluntary income tax, and tax evasion by the Duchies of Lancaster and Cornwall. These medieval estates, owned by the monarch and the Prince of Wales, generate massive profits, including properties, land, and even the Oval cricket ground. A recent investigation exposed these Duchies for charging commercial rates to public sector institutions, highlighting the financial anomalies.
The BBC series hints at the royal family's immense wealth, but stops short of delivering a critical blow. It fails to address why political figures have been unable to hold the monarchy financially accountable. The program doesn't push David Cameron on why his administration increased royal secrecy, removing the right to FOI enquiries. Dimbleby discusses Prince Charles' campaigning letters, but fails to mention the lack of access to royal correspondence today.
The issue of royal wills remains shrouded in secrecy. Unlike commoners, the monarch's will is protected by an act of parliament, and this privilege has been extended to the wider family. In 2021, despite efforts, the High Court ruled to seal Prince Philip's will for 90 years, further obscuring financial information.
Our democratic system, which prohibits royal-related FOI enquiries, struggles to scrutinize the Windsors' exploitation of political access. The documentary fails to connect the dots, leaving questions about Andrew's legal bills and the royal family's residences unanswered. The scandal surrounding Andrew and the changing public mood have reframed the debate, but the BBC seems hesitant to fully engage.
The series avoids key issues, highlighting the corporation's limitations. The third episode, focused on image, ignores the seminal Martin Bashir interview with Princess Diana, exposing the BBC's journalistic failings. A new book suggests the corporation is still grappling with its past mistakes. Dimbleby gives the republican movement minimal attention, portraying them as a small, passionate group.
However, it's organizations like Republic and media outlets like Channel 4 and The Guardian that are asking the tough financial questions. These entities, with their anti-royal ideological zeal, dare to go where the national corporation fears to tread. Dimbleby notes Prince William's lack of tax return publication, but the program fails to confront the issue directly. Instead, it ends with a clip from William's appearance on Apple TV+, leaving viewers with more questions than answers.
The series reflects our times. The Windsor household's privileged position relies on popular consent, but the monarchy's financial disconnect from the nation is growing. While older generations support the monarchy, younger demographics are increasingly skeptical. The untaxed wealth has left the monarchy as one of Britain's few financially thriving institutions.
As Rutger Bregman, the Reith lecturer, calls for a "moral revolution," the BBC's series reminds us that real change won't come from the establishment. The momentum for royal reform will likely come from young, passionate outsiders. For monarchists, the hope is that the revolution spares the crown, even if some untaxed baubles must go.
"What's the Monarchy For?" airs on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, offering a thought-provoking exploration of the monarchy's role in the 21st century.
