Royal News Live: King Charles to Replace Helicopters Amid Soaring Crown Income

King Charles is set to replace his 15-year-old helicopters this year, coinciding with a significant increase in profits from the Crown Estates. The annual accounts reveal that the monarchy’s funding will receive a substantial boost, thanks to soaring revenues.

The Crown Estate reported an impressive profit of £1.1 billion for the 2023/2024 financial year. This surge in income means that the Sovereign Grant, which provides financial support to the royal family, will increase by £45 million in the 2025/2026 financial year. The Sovereign Grant is calculated as 12 percent of the net profits of the Crown Estate, based on the funds gained two years prior.

Despite the anticipated increase in future funding, the royal household’s income for the 2024/2025 financial year will remain steady at £86.3 million, the same amount it has received over the past three years. This consistent income ensures the smooth functioning of the monarchy, covering various expenses essential for maintaining royal operations.

The funds from the Sovereign Grant are allocated to running the royal household and supporting the monarchy in fulfilling its duties. A significant portion of this money is used to cover transportation costs for the royal family’s formal engagements.

Over the past year, the royal family undertook more than 170 helicopter journeys, with transport costs totaling over £1 million. These journeys, integral to the monarchy’s formal duties, have highlighted the need for updated and more efficient transportation. Consequently, the palace has announced plans to replace the existing helicopters with two new AgustaWestland AW139s.

While the exact expenditure for the new helicopters remains undisclosed, it is known that AgustaWestland AW139s typically cost several million pounds each. This investment reflects the palace’s commitment to ensuring the royal family can travel safely and efficiently for their numerous engagements.

The decision to upgrade the royal helicopters, coupled with the substantial increase in Crown Estate profits, underscores the monarchy’s ongoing efforts to modernize and maintain its operations. King Charles’ proactive approach in replacing outdated equipment with state-of-the-art alternatives not only addresses immediate logistical needs but also sets a precedent for future enhancements.

With the new helicopters, the royal family can continue to fulfill their formal duties with greater reliability and efficiency. This improvement is particularly significant given the extensive travel required for various engagements across the United Kingdom and beyond. The upgraded helicopters will facilitate smoother and more frequent travel, ensuring that the royal family remains accessible and engaged with the public.

The replacement of King Charles’ helicopters amid rising Crown Estate profits marks a noteworthy development for the British monarchy. As the royal family prepares to benefit from increased funding in the coming years, these strategic investments highlight their commitment to upholding tradition while embracing modernity. The new AgustaWestland AW139s will enhance the royal family’s ability to perform their duties effectively, reflecting the monarchy’s dedication to serving the nation with distinction.