How much does the royal family cost the tax payer in comparison to the revenue that is generated by them through tourism?

[Craftypig]

Do they cost us more than they contribute?

[starone]

Yes.

[sara3]

I think they generate more than they cost.

[starone]

The starry-eyed among us don't want to know how much they cost us.

[boxtops]

Today is being very largely funded by Charles, but the income from commemorative items is bringing loads of cash to the country - people coming from all over the world, the Potteries have been being making mugs - etc. (programme on BBC World service last night about that).
PS Does this heading win "longest title of the year" award?

[jackthehat]

The cost - about 60p per person per annum.

The revenue - slightly more difficult to quantify.

The interest in the country - will only become apparent if/when there is no longer a Monarchy.

[sara3]

Starbuckone, are you calling me "starry-eyed"?

[cazzz1975]

no monarchy eh..I cant see many people coming here just to view the binge drinking culture and the muffin tops ;)

[dotty.]

who cares, I would rather any tax I pay goes towards the policing and running of this type of event than a war, invasion, fat cat bonus or state funeral.

[stokemaveric]

hi boxtops...soryy to say but most of the pottery has been made abroad..that is where the vast majority of pottery is made now..ie royal doulton and wedgewood now make most of their wares in indonesia..that is where thousands of pottery workers jobs have been lost to....

[starone]

Cross posting sara - I didn't mean you specifically. Love your new avatar. Where do you find all these bum pictures?

[cazzz1975]

you can thank the labour government for work going abroad

[sara3]

dedication to the cause, Starbuck.. dedication ;o)

[Davethedog]

As Jack says about .60p per person per annum.

The Royal family are the envy of the world, they reckon 2 billion will watch today thas about 1/3 of the worlds population.

I am not particularly royalist but whats the alternative? President Dave or President Gordon?

Windsor, Holyrood, Sandringham, Buckingham Palace et al benifit incredibly financialy
from a royal family.

Whatever they cost they are worth it.

[starone]

cazzz - but that's just the point - they can't 'view' the monarchy, except on an occasion such as this when they are laid out for us all to see. Except me and a few million others who can't be bothered with it.

[starone]

What possible advantage to this country is there if 2 billion watch throughout the world? It will only be curiosity and a desire to brighten up their dull and boring lives.

[Davethedog]

2 Billion potential tourists - 2 Billion potential buyers of wedding tat

[venator]

OH went to a royal garden party last year - cost the taxpayer a couple of cucumber sandwiches, made her very happy & good press for her employer. Would President Clegg have the same effect?

[starone]

But there is a recession throughout the world. Nobody's got any money (except the royals) and will certainly have to restrain their desire to dash here. And in any case when they get here what a disappointment they will have not to be presented at court and actually see the queen!

[boxtops]

I can't dispute that, stoke, but last night's programme was from a pottery still in the Midlands, saying how much revenue they were receiving from Wedding products.

[stokemaveric]

hi cazzz yes the labour govt are to blame partly but mainly its the greed of the pottery manufacturers they employ people in the far east for £12.00 a week making pottery..which has cost us thousands of skilled jobs in this area..and they make a sub-standard product too...