As an expert in British royal finance and constitutional monarchy, I can provide a detailed explanation of the financial aspects of the British monarchy, specifically focusing on the Queen's income.
The British monarchy is a complex institution with a long history, and its financial arrangements are a matter of public interest. The Queen's income is derived from several sources, and it's important to understand that this income is used not only for personal expenses but also for official duties and the maintenance of royal estates.
One of the primary sources of income for the Queen is the Sovereign Grant, which is a portion of the profits from the Crown Estate. The Crown Estate is a collection of lands and holdings in the UK that are held in trust for the nation and cannot be sold by the monarch. The profits from these estates are significant, and a percentage of these profits is allocated to the monarch through the Sovereign Grant.
As of my last update, the Sovereign Grant was set at 15% of the Crown Estate's profits. This grant is not a static figure; it can fluctuate based on the performance of the Crown Estate's portfolio. The grant is used to cover the official expenses of the Royal Household, which includes the maintenance of palaces, travel for official engagements, and the costs associated with the Royal Collection.
In the last financial year mentioned in your reference, the Queen reportedly received approximately $61 million from the Sovereign Grant. It's important to note that this figure is not her personal income but rather the amount allocated to cover a wide range of official expenses. These expenses can include the upkeep of Buckingham Palace, royal travel for official engagements, investitures, garden parties, and other ceremonial events.
It's also worth mentioning that the Queen has her own private income, which comes from the Duchy of Lancaster, a private estate that is provided for her use by the British government. The income from the Duchy is used for her personal expenses and is separate from the Sovereign Grant.
The financial arrangements of the monarchy are subject to scrutiny and are often a topic of debate. Some argue that the monarchy is a significant tourist attraction and brings in revenue for the UK, while others believe that the costs associated with the institution are too high.
In conclusion, the Queen's income is a complex matter that involves public funds through the Sovereign Grant and private income from estates like the Duchy of Lancaster. The Sovereign Grant, which is the primary source of public funding for the Royal Household, is used to cover a wide range of official expenses, not just the personal needs of the Queen.

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The Queen now receives the Sovereign Grant from the Treasury, which consists of 15% of the profits from the Crown Estate. Last financial year she received $61 million, which goes to paying for royal travel, investitures, garden parties and the upkeep of official residences like Buckingham Palace.Jun 1, 2015read more >>