The Queen, 94, suffered a £100million loss during the coronavirus pandemic as popular tourist sites were forced to close, which will result in 86 full-time positions being made redundant, according to an expert. The Historic Royal Palaces had forecast an income of £110million for 2020 but have had to re-evaluate the figure to just £10million. The charity has since had to cut 86 full-time positions.
Speaking on ITV’s royal rota, Mr Ship said: “The impact coronavirus has had on the royal finances.
“Not the Queen’s income from the Sovereign Grant or the Duchy of Lancaster but this is for the charities, the historic royal palaces.”
Producer Lizzie Robinson said: “The historic royal palaces have six unoccupied sites; the Tower of London, Hampton Court, Banqueting House, Kensington Palace, Kew Palace and Hillsborough Castle.
“They were forecasting an income of around £110million this year.
READ MORE: Princess Diana ‘really envied’ Sarah Ferguson’s ‘sexual chemistry’
“But because of the pandemic they are now only forecasting an income of £10million.”
Mr Ship added: “So it’s a £100million loss.
“They’re saying that they’re having to make 86 full-time positions redundant which is going to affect 145 people from their payroll.”
It comes as the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh have travelled to Sandringham after spending six weeks at Balmoral.
A palace spokesman said last week that the Queen and Philip intended to move from Balmoral “to spend time privately on the Sandringham Estate”.
The spokesman added: “Subject to the finalisation of the autumn programme, Her Majesty’s intention is to return to Windsor Castle in October and to resume the use of Buckingham Palace for selected audiences and engagements.
“These plans will be kept under review and will of course be subject to all relevant guidance and advice.”
Future arrangements for the 99-year-old duke are still being discussed.
