The Costs of the Queen's Jubilee

[Ebailey]

Has anyone seen this infographic about the costs of the Queen's Jubilee compared to 1952 and the royal wedding last year? I'd be interested to know if anyone has any knowledge about the subject or how accurate the information is?

Link: http://www.moneysupermarket.com/money/rule-your-finances-infographic.aspx

Thanks - Ebailey

 

[Madame Royale]

It's pertinent to remember that whatever the costs in 1953, that the equivilant expenditure by today's standards would be significantly raised.

 

[Jacknch]

Not sure how accurate it is but if we've spent over £800,000,000 that's great for the economy.

 

[Zonk]

Exactly!

People don't take into consideration that the people working the Jubilee's (i.e. policemen, etc.) are earning a salary that will go back into the UK economy. They will use the money they earn to shop, pay rent, etc. It all goes back into the economy.

Just as those who visited London specifically for the Jubilee injected cash to the economy. And by that I am speaking of those who flew to the UK, stayed in hotels, ate out and/or purchased trinkets. All back into the economy.

I live in the Washington, DC area and we have the same concerns/complaints EVERY four years regarding the presidential inaugurations (and let me tell you its the same discussion regardless of the political party in power), but nonetheless each inauguration (regardless of which party is in the White House) kicks additional money into DC, MD and VA economies. Sometimes you gotta spend money to make money.

 

[dbarn67]

I'm sure England made more than they spent; they usually do. The Monarchy are a profit maker for the British government. It's been proven time and again.

 

[EIIR]

I think the organisers did very well in getting so much of the celebrations privately funded.

When it comes to evaluating how 'worth it' the festivities were it's very difficult to judge. How do you quantify the value of communities coming together all over the country to celebrate? Or the value of so much of the press overseas covering the events showing Britain in a really positive light? It's difficult to put numbers on these things, but I think it was more than worth it.

 

[Duchess of Durham]

I'm curious, were the artists who performed at the concert paid, or did they give their services for free?

 

[padams2359]

Britain is having a GREAT YEAR! Diamond Jubilee and Summer Olympics. I think the Spainish Royal Family could take some pointers from the Brits. I have no doubt the benefit to the economy is what pursuaded HM to allow it to get so large. Spend more time in the country and around the world advertising Spain, and less time on safari and pouting about fishing rights.

 

[Duke of Marmalade]

Whatever the costs, it was worth it. Its a one off, likely not to happen again. It was not so much about the monarchy than about honoring one monarch for her tremendous achievements. Charles' reign will be short in comparison and only god knows what will happen after that. So enjoy while you can.

 

[Lumutqueen]

Jubilee celebrations did inspire people around the world, despite the wet weather, say tourism chiefs | Mail Online

 

[Aussie Princess]

I think the organisers did very well in getting so much of the celebrations privately funded.

When it comes to evaluating how 'worth it' the festivities were it's very difficult to judge. How do you quantify the value of communities coming together all over the country to celebrate? Or the value of so much of the press overseas covering the events showing Britain in a really positive light? It's difficult to put numbers on these things, but I think it was more than worth it.

It was so nice to see footage of so many people having street parties for the Jubilee- I'd never seen anything like that!
As a sort of outside to the UK, I believe that the spirit of the British people is unique and special.It does so much for them.

 

[EIIR]

In the UK we don't have a national day, or an independence day since we haven't been invaded since 1066. We have a pretty unique attitude towards patriotism and flag waving; when we see American homes flying their flag it's quite strange to us. Even public buildings in the UK only fly the Union Jack on set days (the Queen's birthday etc.). We're scared (irrationally in my opinion) about seeming jingoistic or xenophobic by celebrating our country, and I think that's why the royal wedding and the jubilee have been so successful; because for a short time we said 'to heck with it, we're British and proud and we're going to celebrate our nation whatever anyone else thinks'.

At a time of major economic difficulty, being able to set aside our worries and fears for a short time and enjoy one another and the things that make our country great has a hugely positive effect in a way that can't really be quantified in pounds and pence.

 

[maria-olivia]

A hope they did money , UK will loose money for the olympic games.

 

[Madame Royale]

In the UK we don't have a national day, or an independence day since we haven't been invaded since 1066. We have a pretty unique attitude towards patriotism and flag waving; when we see American homes flying their flag it's quite strange to us. Even public buildings in the UK only fly the Union Jack on set days (the Queen's birthday etc.). We're scared (irrationally in my opinion) about seeming jingoistic or xenophobic by celebrating our country, and I think that's why the royal wedding and the jubilee have been so successful; because for a short time we said 'to heck with it, we're British and proud and we're going to celebrate our nation whatever anyone else thinks'.

Not to get too off topic, but I understand the sentiment as it's much the same here in Australia. The Australian and State flags can be seen on major roadway landmarks (the Sydney Harbour and West Gate Bridges for example), government buildings, universities, TAFE colleges and RSL's respectively. But if you were to view a residential address with an Australian flag hanging out front then a good many people would be likely to think there is some racial motivation behind it. A sort of supremacist attitude.

Though when it comes to major international sporting events, then the attitude is relaxed and a variation of Australian flags, both official and unofficial, can be spied about our cities and homes.

It's become a moral and political topic which is really quite sad.

I for one loved viewing the Union Jack everywhere over the past fortnight. Such a sight. It's one thing I miss about living in London during major national celebrations.

 

[NGalitzine]

It is the same in Canada. I think Canadians look at the overt patriotism south of the border with a bit of unease. North of the border patriotism, like much else, is rather muted in comparison. The 2010 Olympics brought out a national patriotism at a level I have never seen here.

 

[EIIR]

What's happened in the UK is that our reluctance to fly the flag has led to far-right groups 'appropriating' it for their own purposes; which then reinforces some people's reluctance to use it at all. But, we need to be clear that the flag belongs to us all and the only way we can do that is by flying it with pride in a sensible fashion.

I've enjoyed all the bunting and the flags I've seen over the last few weeks. Of course we wouldn't want it to be like that all the time, but we need to 'own' our flag and stop worrying (needlessly, in my view) that flying it will offend people of other races or nationalities.

 

[Jacknch]

What's happened in the UK is that our reluctance to fly the flag has led to far-right groups 'appropriating' it for their own purposes; which then reinforces some people's reluctance to use it at all. But, we need to be clear that the flag belongs to us all and the only way we can do that is by flying it with pride in a sensible fashion.

I've enjoyed all the bunting and the flags I've seen over the last few weeks. Of course we wouldn't want it to be like that all the time, but we need to 'own' our flag and stop worrying (needlessly, in my view) that flying it will offend people of other races or nationalities.

Thankfully, ownership of the Union Flag has been wrested somewhat over the last couple of years from the wrong people and most large shops (department stores, interior design and home-wear shops) are selling all manner of objects with the design of the flag on. Not so long ago it was restricted to boxer-shorts and tea-towels, but now one can buy cushions, chairs, rugs, placemats etc. Even though I'm not entirely happy with commercialising the flag, the design sells and so many people can have the flag in one form or another in their homes.
In the last few weeks, I have never seen so much bunting and flags on houses, shops etc all over the place.