Thursday, February 25, 2016

King George's funeral cost £25,000

February 25, 1936

King George V's funeral cost Great Britain £25,000, reports the New York Times.  The cost became known today with the "publication of a supplementary budget estimate of £219,690."

The figure may appear high, but it should be noted that the late king's funeral was the "most inexpensive funeral in recent times."  King Edward VII's funeral cost £40, 500 while Queen Victoria's was £35,000.

The "entertainment of foreign guests" as well as "funeral furnishings and mourning allowances" accounted for £7,000.  The "participation" of the armed forces cost £11,260.

The late king's lying in state at Westminster Hall, the service at St. George's Chapel, and the preparation of the funeral procession route cost £3,000, while "sundry expenses" totaled £3,740.

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