Royal Family’s income to be hit hard by pandemic, Queen’s staff warned

Royal household is 'no exception' to financial impact of coronavirus, says spokesperson

The royal family's income is to be hit by the coronavirus crisis, members of staff working for the Queen have reportedly been warned.

It has been confirmed the impact of the pandemic is being felt across the royal households as many of the attractions owned by the family have been forced to close to the public during lockdown.

Buckingham Palace has already announced that it will not re-open its State Rooms to this year, which normally takes place when the Queen visits Balmoral during the summer months. It is believed to be the first time the palace will be staying shut since it first opened its doors in 1993.

The tour of the 19 State Rooms, which are used for ceremonial and state occasions, costs £26.50 per visitor.

The Royal Collection Trust, which operates the public visits, has also been forced to close Windsor Castle, the Royal Mews, Clarence House, and the Palace of Holyrood House in Edinburgh.

Garden parties and investitures at the Palace have also been cancelled, with Trooping the Colour not taking place in its normal form this year. The royal family has also swapped public appearances for video calls as they carry out their duties while working from home.

In a statement, Buckingham Palace confirmed that the royal family are “no exception” when it comes to the financial impact of the pandemic.

“The whole country is very likely to be impacted financially by coronavirus and the royal household is no exception,” the spokesperson said.

”However, the time to address this issue will be when the full impact of all the implications of the current situation is clearer.

“At the moment the attention of the royal household is on ensuring it follows all the guidelines and supports the national effort in combatting Covid-19.”

The statement follows reports that Lord Chamberlain Earl Peel – the most senior official of the royal household – has warned staff that income is expected to fall by a third this year.

In a memo to staff, seen by the Sun newspaper, Earl Peel wrote: “The crisis has already tested our resilience, adaptability and preparedness in many ways and at all levels across the organisation. It has also had a significant impact on the activities of the whole royal household.

“Although the UK appears to be over the peak of infections, it remains unclear when measures such as social distancing will come to an end.”

He continued: “We must therefore assume it could still be many weeks, if not months, before we are able to return to business as usual.

“There are undoubtedly very difficult times ahead and we realise many of you will be concerned.”

According to Chris Ship, the royal editor for ITV news, royal sources do not deny the existence of Lord Chamberlain’s memo, and do not take issue with the words that have been reported.

The Queen, 94, has been staying at Windsor Castle alongside the Duke of Edinburgh, 98, since March.

The royal couple are expected to remain there for the foreseeable future as they are in the coronavirus high risk category because of their age.