London: Talks are on between the British Government and Royal Palace aides on providing a multi-million pound pay-hike to Queen Elizabeth.
The request is likely to anger British taxpayers in the wake of the coalition government recently announcing cuts of GBP 6 billion to revitalise the economy.
The Queen currently receives GBP 7.9 million annually for her official duties.
According to The Sun, her official budget is estimated to be overspent by GBP 6 million a year. It is being covered by a GBP 35 million emergency reserve, which is expected to run out by 2012.
Considering the surrounding circumstances, the request couldn’t have been more ill-timed.
"By sheer chance, the timing is delicate and no one knew that it would be announced so soon after a change of government," said a senior royal source.
ANI
First Published: Monday, May 31, 2010, 16:56