The Crown season five begins and ends with the same plot point: The Royal Yacht Britannia.
The cost of running Britannia was always an issue. Politicians raised questions about its financial value as far back as 1954, when two MPs lobbied for an investigation on why the yacht’s refurbishment would cost £5.8 million, accusing the royal family of waste and extravagance. A government committee later dismissed the accusations.
However, when Tony Blair’s Labour government won the election, and the new government once again declined to pay for Britannia. Britannia’s final journey was to far-flung Hong Kong in 1997, as Prince Charles turned over the British colony back to the Chinese at the end of Britain’s 99-year lease. When they finally decommissioned the boat that summer, the queen cried – one of the few times she’s shown emotion in public. The boat had logged over one million nautical miles.
Today, Britannia sits permanently docked in Edinburgh. Visitors can take tours of its grand galleys, or even rent it out for events. Yet, despite its retirement, the concept of the royal yacht lives on: In 2021, Boris Johnson floated the idea of a new boat. However, a mere eight days ago, Rishi Sunak has scrapped the project – showing that, even now, the concept remains a controversial one.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Mike Tindall reveals embarrassing blunder with mother-in-law Princess AnneThe former rugby playing royal admitted his mishap in front of the Princess Royal
Read more »
11 royal couples who have divorcedThree of the Queen's children's marriages have ended in divorce
Read more »
Kate Middleton’s ‘right-hand woman’ steps back from important royal roleKate Middleton's right-hand woman, Hannah Cockburn-Logie, steps back from important royal role
Read more »
Every Chic Royal Has A Favourite ChooNo royal woman’s wardrobe is complete without at least one pair of Jimmy Choos.
Read more »
13 delicious royal birthday cakes that need to be seen to be believedRoyal birthday cakes: Do the royal family indulge in decadent multi-tiered sponges? Or do they opt for a supermarket special? Discover the best royal birthday cakes through the years
Read more »