Queen avoids taxes on mother's estate - special provision for the reigning sovereign - $73 MIL

Associated Press ^ | May 8, 2002 | Associated Press Staff

[Arthur McGowan]

Buckingham Palace said Tuesday that the sovereign was exempt from inheritance tax as he or she needed an "appropriate degree of financial independence" from the government and because a king or queen was unable to "generate significant new wealth through earnings or business activities."

Wouldn't it be nice if EVERYONE were afforded the right to an "'appropriate degree of financial independence' from the government," especially when he is, for ANY reason "unable to 'generate significant new wealth.'"

[Slainte]

But the Queen is only the head of state. The Prime Minister is the head of the government. A subtle, but important distinction as her position is entirely ceremonial now, much like the Vice President.

In any case, her taxes would go to the Exchequer, just like Tony Blair's do. The Queen can't just walk over to the Treasury and grab a pocketful of tenners whenever she feels the urge to go and grab a pint.

[MeekOneGOP]

:O)

[Happygal]

Does this mean that all the Queens in San Francisco are tax exempt to?

Well, I guess that's one good reason to be gay huh? *LOL*

[Happygal]

BTW...on a serious note. HOW can someone 'rule' over a country, where laws are imposed on subjects, that the sovereignty are exempt from, because they are in-bred, German, bastards.

Ooops did I say that?

Just smacks of hypocrisy to me. My answer? Get rid of goddamn inheritance tax for everyone. Why should the Queen benefit from gazillions left to her by her old Ma, who never had to take a mortgage in her life anyways. While those who slaved their lives away can't legitimately leave their children (who are probably slaving to put grandchildren through college!!), a house or an asset without having to hand it over to Government.

Something stinks in the state of Britain.

It's a load of bollix...(now THAT's an Irish phrase) :-)

[shaggy eel]

,,, Gael-Mheiriceánach croitheadh.

Once a king, always a king. Once a (k)night is enough. Escaping death duties on an estate is a great way to cushion the grief. Don't delay - apply to be a royal now!!!

[HennepinPrisoner]

Commentators say the lack of controversy over the tax saving shows that the queen is enjoying a resurgence in popularity during her Golden Jubilee year.

I don't understand some of these Brit liberals....they **tch and complain all day about the National Health Service, the never-on-time trains, illegal immigrants sponging off the government, etc.

Yet, they don't give a **** that HM is exempt from a hefty tax that they (the peons) are subject to.

Granted, I am not at all for the socialist state, but if I have to ante up my hard-earned dollars for public services, I expect the monarchial leeches to give up their share as well!

[shaggy eel]

ping

[DrDavid]

I realize the Queen isn't a supreme monarch. However, from what I understand, the Queen still have a veto over decisions made by her government. This veto power has never (or rarely) been used.

She is also paid a stipend by the exchequer. Yet in some sense as Queen she "owns" the government. I'm not exactly sure how to word it but this is as close as I can get. I suppose it is part of the evolution of the monarchy from totalitarian rulers to national treasure.

[DrDavid]

I think Hillary is a different type of Queen.

Not to be confused with the 80's rock group

[Dan from Michigan]

Don't delay - apply to be a royal now!!!

Bwahaha. My bloodlines are incapable of anything royal outside of being a pain in the royal ass(to wannabe royals like Klinton).

[MeekOneGOP]

It's a load of bollix...(now THAT's an Irish phrase) :-)

By, golly, I think she's got it! :O)