David Dimbleby has criticised the Royal Family’s “antiquated” privileges, including not being required to pay tax legally. The former BBC Question Time presenter said it is “absurd” that the royals “stand outside taxation laws” despite their vast wealth.
Although the Royal Family is not legally obligated to pay income or capital gains tax on the Sovereign Grant, as it is not considered private income, the Monarch and the Prince of Wales have voluntarily paid tax since 1993. This includes income from their private estates as well as capital gains and inheritance taxes. However, Mr Dimbleby, 87, has called out the Royal Family’s financial and legal affairs.
Speaking to the Telegraph, he said: “They’re not bound by the Equality Act or the Race Relations Act. They can hide their investments. I think people are completely amazed by these things. Even staunch monarchists say, ‘Really? I didn’t realise that.’
“They have vast privileges and this wealth, which has accumulated because they don’t pay death duties and they don’t have to declare their wills. There are all kinds of privileges that I think are antiquated. It’s just absurd that they’re able to stand outside taxation laws and all the other things.”
The journalist added that he was “pro-monarchy if it suits the spirit of the time”. However, he added: “I’m not pro the argument that it brings in American tourists, that’s one of the worst arguments of all.”
Like Elizabeth II, King Charles pays income tax and capital gains tax on his personal income. Despite being exempt from corporation tax, the King and Prince William voluntarily pay income tax on the revenue they generate.
However, they do not pay capital gains tax as they do not benefit personally from any increase in assets. King Charles does not have to pay inheritance tax due to the “sovereign to sovereign” exemption agreed in 1993.
In 2025-26, the Sovereign Grant, which funds official duties, increased to £132.1 million. This figure is up from £32 million a year when it was introduced in 2012 and £86.3 million in 2024/25.
Official figures show that public funding for the Royal Household has tripled since 2012. However, additional income has also increased to £21.5 million due to a record number of visitors to Buckingham Palace.
All profits of the Crown Estate go directly to the Treasury. In 2023/24, the estate had assets worth £15 billion, including high-end properties in London and land along the coast of England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
