There's a popular CGP Grey video which claims the opposite, ie that the monarchy is a money spinner for the UK, and not just because of tourism
Are you saying this is incorrect? - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bhyYgnhhKFw
Are you saying this is incorrect? - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bhyYgnhhKFw
They have no real political influence and, to be honest, I'd far rather have the current crowd than an overtly political head of state - the fact that they choose to serve in the Armed Forces earns them a lot of credit in my book.
Germany has about ~50% more GDP than the UK.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_GDP_%28nom...
4 Germany 3,859,547
5 United Kingdom 3,056,499
Besides, tens of millions aren't really a huge amount at a national level. Roughly £1 per working-person.
I'll happily testify that Her Maj. has provided at least 1GBP of entertainment value each year of my life so far -- so it's still a net gain in my eyes ;)