British lawmakers are urging Queen Elizabeth II “to do more with less.”
The House of Commons’ public accounts committee says the royal household needs more cash to address a serious maintenance backlog on crumbling palaces.
The Queen receives $51 million a year from taxpayers.
While it is suggested that the monarch could earn more money by opening up Buckingham Palace to visitors more than just 78 days a year, we take a look at what other ways the Queen can make more money.
5. Charge strangers to “catch a glimpse” of Prince George:
Prince George of Cambridge is just six months old, but that doesn’t mean he can’t help his great-grandmother gain a few extra pounds (in currency, not weight).
Back in July 2013, the Queen could’ve easily been swimming in a pool of British notes as royal fanatics and media waited outside St. Mary’s Hospital in London and in hopes of catching a glimpse of the royal baby.
As many waited for days, strangers would have happily been willing to pay a few coins to see the face of the third in line to the throne, even if it later dawned on them that they spent hours staring at a hospital door and only had mere seconds to see what was likely an obstructed view of Prince G.
Get weekly money news
4. Provide personal “how to curtsey” lessons:
Kate Middleton reportedly did it, so why shouldn’t you?
According to reports, prior to her royal wedding, the Duchess of Cambridge took lessons in royal etiquette.
So who better to provide one-on-one advice on how to behave like a member of the royal family?
Queen Elizabeth II, of course. With over 60 years as the constitutional monarch, the 87-year-old could easily hold lessons and teach those who wish to hone their royal skills how to properly greet foreign dignitaries while providing quick and easy to remember tips on how to correctly eat a grape in public.
3. Sell her clothing on eBay:
Throughout the years, Queen Elizabeth II’s fashion sense has been defined by a wardrobe full of elegance and grace and clothing. Lots and lots of clothing.
From her bright colours and drop-waisted coats to her endless collection of hats, the Queen’s closest is most certainly bursting with rainbow attire that can easily be sold on Etsy or eBay under the hip yet glamorous name “Majesty Q.”
2. Force Prince William, Jon Bon Jovi and Taylor Swift into a “band for hire”:
In November 2013, the Duke of Cambridge joined rocker Jon Bon Jovi and country-pop superstar Taylor Swift on stage to sing “Livin’ on a Prayer.”
In other words: A guaranteed money maker.
WATCH: Prince William, Taylor Swift sing with Jon Bon Jovi
While the impromptu performance occurred at an event to raise funds for a local homeless charity, Queen II could’ve easily forced this performance into a permanent gig for the trio and provided herself with another source of income as the band’s manager.
1. Take rent money from Will and Kate (and Prince George):
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge—along with their bundle of joy—moved into their Kensington Palace apartment in October, a residence of the British royal family since the 17th century.
With four floors of living space to call their own, the apartment is said to include two living rooms, a kitchen, an elevator, and nine bedrooms, one can only calculate the amount of money the Queen can make by charging per room. Hint: We can’t do math but assume it’s lots of money!
Comments