Kensington Palace, the historic London residence designed by Sir Christopher Wren, is facing an uncertain future following the death of Princess Margaret. The palace, once home to numerous royal relatives and their staff, costs taxpayers over £1 million a year to maintain. With Princess Margaret's passing, questions are being raised about the justification for such expenditure on a building that houses increasingly fewer working royals.
Among the most controversial residents are Prince and Princess Michael of Kent, who enjoy a five-bedroom apartment with five reception rooms and staff quarters at Kensington Palace. Despite owning a £3.5 million country mansion in Gloucestershire, they pay less than £100 a week towards maintenance for a property that would cost an estimated £4,500 per week to rent on the open market. The King is reportedly covering their rent, drawing criticism from those who advocate for a streamlined monarchy.
Other 'rent-free royals' include the Duke and Duchess of Kent, the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, and Princess Alice. The Gloucesters occupy a four-bedroom apartment with seven reception rooms and 21 staff rooms, supported by a £175,000 annual allowance for royal duties. Critics argue that such perks are unsustainable, especially as the number of working royals declines.
MP Alan Williams, a member of the Public Accounts Committee, has described Kensington Palace as 'the country's best housing benefit system' for the royals. Prince Charles, a proponent of modernisation, has suggested converting the palace into a heritage museum to display the Royal Collection, valued at £12.7 billion. However, security concerns have previously prevented the open marketing of the apartments.
Princess Margaret's son, Lord Linley, is expected to vacate his mother's rent-free apartment soon. He and his wife had lived there for two years, reportedly to be close to her during her illness. The Queen is expected to allow him time to settle his mother's affairs, but his continued residence has drawn scrutiny over the perks afforded to minor royals at public expense.
