THERE has been much debate ever since it was announced that Buckingham Palace is to undergo a 10-year refurbishment costing the taxpayer £369m. Some even go further to say that this project will cost the taxpayer even more than first suggested.

I listened carefully to the debate on all sides: Some argued that our Queen has enough wealth – with £20 million a year (her son Charles gets the same) - to afford her own repairs. Not to mention so much more wealth with her crown jewels etc.

The other side argues that Buck Palace or even the State Jewels do not belong to our Queen, they all belong to our National Heritage so should therefore be paid for by the people.

It is well known that our Queen and royal family have no real need to possess any cash. Everything is paid for them by us taxpayers. You won’t see any of them on a Saturday night at a cashpoint – apart from possibly Harry.

How much is our Head of State really worth?

The Queen gets £20 million a year with most of her extravagant expenditure paid for by us taxpayers with yachts, travel, special dinners and big events. Why else does our Queen really need any money in her purse?

The Royal Family should pay their own way as the rest of us do. They can well afford it and most of us ordinary taxpayers cannot.

CHRISTINE PETERS

Wellington Road, Bournemouth

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