Filed under: Celebrity News, News
People in America complained ferociously about Michelle Obama's one trip to Spain, during which she spent her own money where possible. Still, she was lambasted. Yet, the royal wedding between Kate Middleton and Prince William will cost the British public as much as $20 million -- and all we hear is celebration. After they get married, the newly minted Princess Catherine will become another member of the House of Windsor to be waited on hand and foot for life by an army of minions. And how much does its public pay to support the British Royals in high style?
It cost the British people $66.42 million last year to have their monarchy. Critics say that this is actually a fraction of the real cost, as line items such as security provided by the armed forces were not included. For this kingly sum the royals do very little apparent work outside of making public appearances, and are legally required to stay out of government affairs. As the head of Europe's most expensive monarchy, the Queen of England received a yearly payment of $12 million for 2010 -- and this is a payment freeze implemented as part of the austerity measures. At the same time, Queen Elizabeth II is one of the richest women in the world with a $558.57 million personal fortune. You have to wonder why the Queen needs the cash infusion.
No wonder there are public cries in England strongly suggesting that Prince William's grandmother foot the bill for his wedding. They can afford it. On the heels of people rioting in London over cuts to public education, spending millions of public dollars for two rich kids to wed is ridiculous.
Compare these amounts to the $400,000 that President Obama is paid per year, and the $5.5 Million filed on his income taxes last year (largely from book royalties). He's basically working for peanuts. And our president works all day every day. As in really making hard decisions that impact millions. The Queen is a wonderful figurehead, but she has received millions for decades to be just that -- an image to revere. Perhaps critics of the President and First Lady should rethink what is worth complaining about in terms of the cost of leadership.
Many people in America have accused the president of being elitist, and attacked Michelle Obama for spending the money she and her husband have earned on personal items. The Windsors inherited their money and status, and take millions from the public every year. Now they want $20 million for a wedding? Is there some kind of con in the works? When you look at these numbers, and compare these families, it certainly makes one pause. I for one take a moment to be grateful that I am a native of the United States. I can't believe the British people think their royal family is worth these massive sums.
We all want our leaders to represent the very best of what our nations have to offer, and some do. But for the money, the leadership and grand presentation of the president and first lady of the United States are a steal compared to that of Queen Elizabeth II and her brood. We can only hope that for a $20 million price tag, Kate Middleton will make a great queen someday. If she isn't, there won't be anything anyone can do. President and First Lady Michelle Obama have to prove their mettle every day -- or there is no second term for them. Which is the better deal?
America's first family gives great leadership at a bargain basement price. I hope more Americans wake up and appreciate that.
Question:
Can you imagine spending millions as a nation to support a monarchy that is just there for show?
Leave your comments below!