The coronation of King Charles III, held on May 6, 2023, cost British taxpayers 72 million pounds (R$528 million at current prices), according to the British Department of Culture, Media and Sport.
The event took place at Westminster Abbey and was attended by 90 heads of state and celebrities such as Emma Thompson and Katy Perry. The UK government and Buckingham Palace financed the event with resources from the Sovereign Grant and the Duchy of Lancaster’s Private Purse, according to .
DCMS spent more than £50 million on the organization, while the Home Office covered almost £22 million on security costs. Despite being described at the time by analysts as a moment “once in a generation”the ceremony was leaner compared to the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II.
The decision to use public funds for the coronation caused criticism, especially during the rising cost of living in the country. A YouGov poll revealed that 52% of Londoners were opposed to public funding of the event. The Republic group, opposed to the monarchy, criticized the coronation, calling it “an archaic and meaningless parade”.
The DCMS, however, defended the investment, highlighting the global audience of 2 billion people in 125 countries. The coronation helped promote the United Kingdom’s national identity and image on the world stage.