The government of the United Kingdom says nearly £162 million ($201 million) was spent on Queen Elizabeth II’s state funeral and related events following her d£ath in September, 2022.
Finance minister John Glen stated this in a written statement to parliament on Thursday, May 18, 2023.
The elaborate state funeral for Britain’s longest-serving monarch, held on September 19, entailed a vast security operation for hundreds of foreign heads of state and royals.
It followed hundreds of thousands of people queuing round the clock for days to view her coffin as it lay in state at the UK parliament in London and in Edinburgh, which also required costly security and logistical arrangements.
According to Glen, the total estimated cost ran to £161.7 million, with the interior ministry — responsible for policing — accounting for the biggest proportion (£73.7 million).
The Department for Culture, Media and Sport spent £57.4 million, while the Scottish government billed £18.8 million.
“The d£ath of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on 8 September 2022 and the period of national mourning that followed was a moment of huge national significance.
The government’s priorities were that these events ran smoothly and with the appropriate level of dignity, while at all times ensuring the safety and security of the public,” he said.
