Ruth Wishart: Royal taxation simply a reminder of how much they are 'earning'

Ruth Wishart: Royal taxation simply a reminder of how much they are 'earning' argues that royal tax transparency provides limited insight into exemptions and arrangements. It claims King Charles paid nearly £13 million to the tax authority and that he would have needed close to £27 million in income from the Duchy of Lancaster, while Prince William is estimated to receive about £23 million from the Duchy of Cornwall and faces a tax bill of more than £7 million. The article says claims of “revelation” are limited because details on allowances and expenses are not provided and that duties-related items are exempt. It also alleges the royals benefit from a set of exemptions affecting enforcement of around 160 laws, including some equality, environmental, and freedom-of-information areas. The piece cites reported agreements involving rentals charged to public bodies such as the NHS, and it references figures including £1.5 million for Dartmoor rental fees and an NHS arrangement costing well north of £829,000 annually.