The Billionaire King's Secrets: Unveiling the Royal Financial Enigma
In the midst of the Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor scandal, a timely documentary series, "What's the Monarchy For?", has sparked curiosity and controversy. With half of Britain questioning the monarchy's relevance, this series, presented by the esteemed David Dimbleby, delves into the secrets and complexities of royalty.
The Dimbleby dynasty, synonymous with royalty coverage, takes on a different approach in this series. The BBC, often seen as the "ringmaster" for royalty, attempts to shed light on the monarchy's financial affairs. However, the series' structure, dividing power and money into separate episodes, limits its impact.
The first episode revisits political moments, including Boris Johnson's controversial move, while the episode on money reveals the true source of royal power: wealth. Dimbleby, with the help of investigative journalist David Pegg, exposes King Charles as Britain's richest monarch, a billionaire on the throne.
The series highlights the monarchy's tax advantages: no inheritance tax, voluntary income tax, and tax evasion by the Duchies of Lancaster and Cornwall. These medieval-era estates, owned by the monarch and the Prince of Wales, generate massive profits from land, estates, and even the Oval cricket ground. A recent investigation revealed these Duchies charging commercial rates from public institutions like the NHS.
Despite the BBC's efforts, the series fails to deliver a knockout blow. It doesn't explore why the monarchy has evaded financial accountability or why royal secrecy was heightened. The issue of royal wills, protected by an act of parliament, remains a mystery, with Prince Philip's will sealed for 90 years.
We are left in the dark, unable to estimate the monarch's estate value due to complex legal structures. Research suggests the King's wealth has soared to nearly £2 billion, a staggering sum.
Our democratic system, unable to scrutinize the Windsors' political access and influence, leaves us with more questions than answers. The documentary misses key points, such as Andrew's legal bills and the royal family's residence perks. The Andrew-Epstein scandal has changed public sentiment, but the BBC seems to lag behind.
The series avoids addressing the iconic Martin Bashir interview with Princess Diana, exposing the BBC's journalistic failings. It fails to push boundaries, not even confronting Prince William about his tax returns. Instead, it ends with a clip from William's appearance on Apple TV+, leaving us with more questions.
The series reflects our times. The monarchy's financial disparity with the nation relies on popular consent, which is waning among younger generations. It's a "Time of Monsters" or, at least, a time of the super-rich. Rutger Bregman calls for a "moral revolution," reminding us that real change won't come from the establishment.
The momentum for royal reform will come from young, passionate outsiders. For monarchists, the hope is that the revolution spares the crown, if not its untaxed treasures.
"What's the Monarchy For?" airs on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. A thought-provoking series that leaves us wanting more.
