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30th Sep 2022

Stacey Solomon says British people shouldn’t be forced to give their money to the Royal Family

Tobi Akingbade

Tell us how you really feel Stace

I’m A Celeb’s Stacey Solomon has clarified her earlier comments about the royal family, insisting that she has “nothing against the royal family” but she still doesn’t “understand” the Sovereign Grant.

A video clip of Solomon discussing the monarchy in 2018 recently resurfaced and went viral once again following the death of Queen Elizabeth II earlier this month.

The former X Factor contestant, turned lifestyle influencer, divided some viewers during an appearance on ITV’s Loose Women in 2018 when she said she “doesn’t get the point” of the royal family.

“I don’t get why we’re so obsessed with these humans that are exactly the same, it could be us sitting there,” Solomon said while being a panelist on the show.

“It’s freezing cold outside, and people are homeless, and these people have houses to spare, and it does sometimes become a litte bit frustrating because I don’t see the purpose of all that money going to this entire family.”

Part of the royal family’s income comes from an annual taxpayer-funded payment called the Sovereign Grant.

In a new interview with The Guardian, Solomon said she has “nothing against the monarchy and the Queen seemed like a lovely lady”.

WINDSOR, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 19: King Charles III, Anne, Princess Royal, Prince William, Prince of Wales, Prince Andrew, Duke of York, Prince Edward, Duke of Kent, Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex arrive at St. George's Chapel on September 19, 2022 in Windsor, England. The committal service at St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle, took place following the state funeral at Westminster Abbey. A private burial in The King George VI Memorial Chapel followed. Queen Elizabeth II died at Balmoral Castle in Scotland on September 8, 2022, and is succeeded by her eldest son, King Charles III. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)

“But I don’t understand why we pay a contribution to one of the wealthiest families in the world,” Solomon added.

“Some of our kids weren’t even getting school lunches, and to know a huge amount of money is going to somebody who doesn’t need it, I just couldn’t get my head around that.”

Keen to offer up a fair solution, the social media star suggested a new system which allows the taxpayer to choose if they want their money to go to the royal family or to another cause.

“It would be cool if there was an opt-in opt-out version and you can opt to give it to somebody else,” Solomon said.

Some days after the Queen’s death, Solomon, who is married to Joe Swash,  shared a heartfelt message of support to fans of the monarch who may have been mourning.

Sharing a photograph of the Queen to Instagram, Solomon said she was “thinking of everyone” who was grieving her death.

“And thinking of all of those who have ever lost a beloved person in their lives. Saying goodbye forever is always so hard,” Solomon said

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