Royal family pays its fair share
Dear Editor:
Re: “Royal couple selfish,” (Herald/Daily
Courier letters, Jan. 17).
The writer demonstrates a common misconception — that taxpayers pay for the Royal Family. In fact, the combined estate of the Royal Family is managed independently by a private firm and more than pays the way of the Royal Family.
The Queen and Prince Charles pay a great deal of income tax, even though they are exempt. The British government pays a minimal stipend which is a leftover from the era when the monarchy was not selfsupporting.
Security is mostly a government responsibility as the military is integral to the ceremonial that surrounds the monarchy, but the estate can certainly afford to cover this cost if indeed it does not already.
I am sorry I do not know the details of the security of the Royal Family. This is perhaps an indication that the security is, in fact, effective. I’m not sure.
With regard to the issue of selfishness, it’s interesting that binary thinking still abounds. The writer’s personal knowledge and approval of the Queen et al seems to preclude the idea that, in areas of conflict, both sides can have valid points and concerns. I suspect that there is so much of the story that we are not aware of that judgement is premature.
It may be a case of selfishness or it may be enlightened self-interest. The fact that they are willing to continue to perform some royal duties suggests to me that they are protecting their personal lives and willing to become financially independent to do so.
In regard to the last point, I agree that it should not cost Canadian taxpayers anything beyond what any other resident of our fine country is accorded.
I must also say that the Daily Courier does an outstanding job of bringing issues forward and stimulating dialogue — this discussion being a small example. In any case, continue the good work — an informed populace is the bedrock of a functioning democracy (any comments regarding how well ours is or is not working not withstanding). Pat Wahl Kelowna