For the past four years, the British Royal Family has not released official records of the gifts they’ve received, breaking a longstanding tradition.
£2.6 million in Cash From a Qatari Politician
Buckingham Palace attributes this delay to the COVID-19 pandemic, the transition following Queen Elizabeth II’s death, and the planning of King Charles III’s coronation, according to reports from Hotnews.
This delay in disclosure follows several royal scandals. One involves King Charles' charitable foundation, which was investigated for allegedly accepting money in exchange for royal honors. Although the investigation was dropped last year, no full explanation has been given.
Charles also accepted £2.6 million (around $3.4 million) in cash from a Qatari politician for his Prince of Wales Charitable Fund. Similarly, Prince Andrew faced allegations that he used official trips abroad to further private business ventures.
Saudi Crown Prince Gifted Meghan Markle Diamond Earrings
While British lawmakers are required to publicly declare gifts and donations, the royal family faces no such obligation.
Instead, they rely on their private secretaries to decide what should be disclosed. The last comprehensive list of royal gifts was published in April 2020, covering the gifts received in 2019.
Over the years, the gift lists have sparked controversy. In 2012, Sophie, Countess of Wessex, received a jewelry suite from the King of Bahrain, raising concerns given Bahrain’s human rights record.
In 2018, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman gifted Meghan Markle diamond earrings worth £500,000 (around $623,000), but the true origins were only revealed years later, just before her explosive interview with Oprah Winfrey.
Critics like Graham Smith of the anti-monarchy group Republic argue that full transparency is needed, especially given the royal family's access to top government officials. In response to the criticism, a Buckingham Palace spokesperson said the lists will be published "in due course."
