Dutch royal family budget rises 11% to €55 million

The royal family will get a combined pay rise of €600,000 next year, in line with civil service salaries and as compensation for inflation.

The king’s package will rise by €55,000 to almost €1.1 million, while Maxima’s salary goes up to €431,000. Crown princess Amalia is also entitled to a pay package but has opted not to take any government cash until she has graduated from university.

The taxpayer also picks up the bill for security, rebuilding palaces and foreign tours and in total, the cost of the royal family will rise some 11% next year to €55 million, broadcaster NOS reported.

This is the biggest increase since Willem-Alexander came to the throne in 2013. In total, the equivalent of 245 people work full time for the crown. 

Currently, the three working members of the royal family receive an index-linked tax-free salary and are not required to pay gift or inheritance tax. Much of their money is in foundations, which do not pay tax.

The Dutch royal family is considered, nevertheless, to be one of the most expensive in Europe.

Support for the royal family has been waning in recent years. An Ipsos poll published on Tuesday found some 50% of the general population support the monarchy but 26% would like the Netherlands to become a republic. 

Among the under 35s, almost four in 10 support the monarchy but 34% consider themselves republicans. 

Ten years ago, when Willem-Alexander was sworn in as king, 80% of the population backed the monarchy.