Scottish devolution ‘will not change the royal budget’

A devolution of power in Scotland will not impact the budget of Britain’s Queen Elizabeth.
Earlier this week, it had been suggested that devolution would lead to a reduction in the 89-year-old monarch’s annual budget – but Sir Alan Reid, the keeper of the Privy Purse, has denied that would be the case.
He said: “Scotland contributes in many ways to the Treasury’s consolidated fund – out of which the Sovereign Grant is paid.
“We said explicitly that to imply Scotland would not pay for the monarchy was simply wrong and we accept unreservedly the assurances of the Scottish Government that the Sovereign Grant will not be cut as a result of devolution of the Crown Estate.”
This echoes the comments of a Scottish Government spokeswoman, who confirmed earlier this week that a devolution of power in the country will have no impact on the amount the country pays to the monarchy.
The spokeswoman explained: “Scotland will continue to make the same financial contribution to the monarchy as at present – there will be no reduction in the sovereign grant as a result of devolution of the Crown Estate.”