Cost of living, but beyond grave
People are losing it after finding out how much it costs to go and visit the Queen, with many claiming the situation is ‘taking advantage’ of the public’s grief.
The Queen was laid to rest in the King George VI Memorial Chapel in St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle, alongside her mother, father and husband – the new stone now bearing the names of King George VI (1895-1952), Queen Mother Elizabeth (1900-2002), Elizabeth II (1926-2022) and Philip (1921-2021).
Those wishing to pay their respects are now able to book a visit to the chapel, which is included in the price of a ticket to Windsor Castle.
An FAQ section on the Royal Collection Trust website reads: “St George’s Chapel will be open to visitors unless you are visiting on a Sunday, when the Chapel is only open to those attending a service. You may wish to visit on another day of the week if you would like to visit the Chapel.”
To visit the chapel, visitors need to buy a ticket to the castle, with entry costing £28.50 for adults on Saturdays, or £26.50 for the rest of the week.
There’s also some hope for people who enjoy these type of activities. Guests can also enjoy free re-admission for a year by asking staff to convert the ticket to a ‘1-Year Pass’. Surely, the lady who visit the Queen lying-in state eight times in less than 24 hours will be up for this.
Despite the more cost-effective annual option, many social media users – probably those who don’t have the time, energy or appetite for multiple visits – said they didn’t feel the price was justified.
Tweeting about the topic before ticket sales reopened, one user said: “Much as l liked and respected the queen. How much? St Geroge’s chapel will reopen to visitors from Thursday and will be open every day excluding Sundays when it is only open for worshippers. Entry to the castle is £28.50 for adults on Saturdays and £26.50 on other days.”
A second person said: “The Royal Family are grifters. As of next week you can pay £28.50 to see the Queen’s final resting place. Roll up! Roll up!”
A third added: “Dear oh dear. Exempt from inheritance tax and now this. Taking advantage. The inscription on the slab marking the Queen and Philip’s resting place at Windsor’s George’s Chapel – which the public will be able to view during £28.50 tours.”
Speaking of cost, updated bank notes with King Charles ‘ image will be revealed by the end of the year, the currency won’t actually be in circulation until mid-2024.
This will be a continuation of the current polymer series and no additional changes to the banknote designs will be made, the Bank of England said.
There are around 27 billion coins currently circulating in the UK bearing the effigy of the Queen. These will be replaced over time as they become damaged or worn, and to meet demand for additional coins.
Coins featuring a portrait of King Charles will gradually enter circulation from December and will appear on 50p coins first, The Royal Mint has said.
In keeping with tradition, the King’s portrait faces to the left, the opposite direction to the Queen.
A commemorative £5 coin has also been created and features two new portraits of the late monarch on the back.
Nicola Howell, chief commercial officer at the Royal Mint, said King Charles worked closely with sculptor Martin Jennings – and “personally approved the effigy”.
Related links:
- Date when King Charles will appear on your cash has now been confirmed
- Queen’s cause of death revealed as extract of certificate published
- Charles ‘told Prince Harry not to bring Meghan Markle to Balmoral to see dying Queen’
- Woman visits Queen’s coffin eight times in less than 24 hours
