The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have been criticized for the extravagant cost of their ‘tone deaf’ tour, which has been criticized for its ‘heavy colonial undertones’.
There were protests and calls during the eight-day trip to Belize, Jamaica and the Bahamas for the royals to pay reparations for slavery and issue a public apology.
This is because total royal spending for the year 2021-22 has been revealed at £104.2 million, up 17 per cent from the year before, with £4.5 million allocated to travel alone.
Kate and William traveled by charter plane while their staff was put on scheduled flights, with the tour being the most expensive royal trip of the year.
The royal couple were accused of perpetuating images of ‘colonialism’, particularly in shots of them with locals.
They also had to cancel a visit to Belize as villagers protested their presence.
However, some positive changes have been made to royal travels as Prince Charles has insisted on using sustainable jet fuel on their flights, Sky News reported.
The Prince of Wales’ own journey to Barbados last December, when it became a republic, cost more than £138,000 for flights for him and his staff.
The Firm’s money comes largely from the Sovereign Grant, which made up £86.3 million of the £104.2 million they spent last year.
READ MORE: Princess Beatrice’s engagement ring has a sweet link to two royals
The Grant is funded by a one-time payment made each year to the Queen to be spent on official royal duties and maintenance.
Sir Michael Stevens, custodian of the Privy Purse, told The Mirror: “The Sovereign Grant shows an increase in net spending of £102.4 million, up 17 per cent, with the bulk of the higher spending coming from the Buckingham Palace reservation programme, taking a 41 per cent increase in spending to £54.6 million.
“Looking ahead, with the Sovereign Grant likely to be level in the coming years, inflationary pressures on operating expenses and our ability to grow additional revenues likely to be limited in the near term, we will continue to deliver on our plans and manage these securities by our own efforts and efficiency.”
NOT MISSING:
Scots turn against independence as more than half reject IndyRef [LATEST]
Peston: Putin’s invasion ‘not close at all’ says expert [INSIGHT]
Remoaner Steve Bray returns to Westminster after amps are seized [BREXIT]
A total of £369 million is currently being spent on refurbishing Buckingham Palace with new plumbing, heating and electrical wiring.
A royal source said they were “confident” they would not exceed the budget.
After a deadline was set for certain projects to be completed last year, the scaffolding was able to be removed from the palace in time for the platinum anniversary celebrations.