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 three-part series, presented by the esteemed David Dimbleby, delves into the heart of royalty.
Dimbleby, a hereditary broadcasting icon, takes us on a journey, showcasing the BBC's unique relationship with royalty, a relationship he describes as a "ringmaster-like" role. But this series aims to be different, attempting to reflect public opinion on the royal family, especially given their popularity hovering around 50%.
However, the series' approach to royal finances raises questions. By separating power and money into different episodes, it misses the mark on understanding the true source of royal influence. The episode on money reveals that King Charles is the richest monarch in modern British history, the first to ascend the throne as a billionaire. But the BBC stops short of delivering a critical blow.
The series fails to address why political figures have been unable to hold the monarchy financially accountable. It doesn't push David Cameron on his administration's decision to heighten royal secrecy, removing the right to FOI enquiries. Dimbleby highlights the indirect power of Prince Charles' campaigning letters, but fails to mention the lack of access to such correspondence today.
The issue of royal wills is also a mystery. Unlike commoners, the monarch's will is protected by an act of parliament, and this privilege has been extended to the wider family, potentially hiding sensitive financial information. In 2021, despite efforts, Prince Philip's will was sealed for 90 years, and even then, its contents may remain hidden.
Our democratic system, which now prohibits royal-related FOI enquiries, is unable to scrutinize the Windsors' exploitation of political access and influence. The series doesn't make this connection, nor does it explain how the late Queen paid Andrew's legal bills or the low rents paid by other royals for their residences.
The documentary also fails to mention the Martin Bashir interview with Princess Diana, an event with unprecedented ramifications. A new book suggests the BBC's journalistic failings are still being exposed. This, along with the series' avoidance of key financial issues, highlights the corporation's own limitations.
Small organizations and media outlets are the ones asking the tough questions about royal finances. Channel 4 and The Guardian, with their anti-royal ideological zeal, are going where the BBC dare not. Dimbleby notes that Prince William, the current Duke of Cornwall, doesn't publish his tax returns, but the program doesn't push for answers.
The series ends with a clip of Prince William on Apple TV+, where he speaks of "change" being on his agenda. This highlights the softer options available today, unlike 30 years ago when Dimbleby's brother tackled the then-Prince of Wales.
The series reflects a time when the monarchy's financial disconnect with the nation is stark. While older generations support the monarchy, younger generations are less enthusiastic. The untaxed wealth of the royal family has left them financially stable, a contrast to many other British institutions. It's no surprise that Donald Trump and the King find common ground as fellow plutocrats.
As Rutger Bregman, the Reith lecturer, calls for a "moral revolution", we must remember that real change won't come from the establishment. It will come from tenacious young outsiders. For monarchists, the hope is that any revolution spares the crown, if not all the untaxed royal possessions.
"What's the Monarchy For?" is available on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
