Corrections to inaccurate media stories about the Royal Family
Many articles and features are written and broadcast about the Royal Family and the Royal Household. If we are consulted before publication we attempt to advise journalists on the accuracy of their article, but such consultation does not always take place.
When significant errors occur or inaccuracies are repeated, Buckingham Palace Press Office write letters of correction to the relevant media organisation, either for background in order to avoid future repetition of the inaccuracies, or for publication so that readers and viewers are aware of the correct facts.
Occasionally, such inaccuracies have resulted in letters being sent to Buckingham Palace from readers and viewers, seeking clarification or making a complaint on the basis of the original story. The inaccuracies have also been repeated elsewhere in the media without being checked first.
This section therefore features, when relevant, notes of correction for the benefit of visitors to the online media centre.
In more severe cases, Buckingham Palace Press Office may approach the Press Complaints Commission to assist in a satisfactory resolution, or to make a formal complaint leading to adjudication by the PCC if the Press Office considers there has been a breach of the PCC Code of Practice.
In the case of a formal complaint to the PCC, the Press Office will confirm only that a complaint has been made; correspondence will not be published here as the process leading to adjudication and the promulgation of the PCC’s decision is a matter for the PCC.
Recent corrections
The Queen hands duties to Prince Charles and moves key staff to Windsor as a move towards retirement
Mail on Sunday, 19 November 2006
Daily Mail, 20 November 2006
Inaccuracy
The Queen has taken a step closer to ‘semi-retirement’ by moving two members of her personal staff to Windsor Castle and making plans to hand more of her responsibilities to Prince Charles.
Under the alleged plan, the proportion of Investitures would increase from one third to a half: The Queen would conduct her share of the ceremonies in Windsor, while The Prince of Wales would host his events in the Palace.
Correction
Staff living arrangements are a private matter and The Queen. Staff do not live in “grace-and-favour” homes, they pay rent for the property at a rate set by the Treasury.
The Queen to spend more time at Windsor Castle
Evening Standard, August 2006
Mail on Sunday, 20 August 2006
Daily Mail, 21 August 2006
Inaccuracy
The Queen is to spend more time based at Windsor Castle, and she will in future celebrate Christmas at Windsor rather than at Sandringham.
Correction
The Queen will continue to celebrate Christmas at Sandringham in Norfolk. She will also continue to be based at Buckingham Palace when working in London, whilst spending weekends at Windsor Castle.
Public Accounts Committee seeks greater scrutiny for Duchy accounts
Mail on Sunday, 24 July 2005
Inaccuracy
The Queen and other members of the Royal Family receive income (i.e. money which they can spend for their own purposes) from the Civil List.
Correction
Only The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh receive money from the Civil List. This money is not income for The Queen, but is given to meet official expenditure relating to The Queen’s duties as Head of State and Head of the Commonwealth.
Prince and Princess Michael of Kent’s accommodation at Kensington Palace
Evening Standard, 10 March 2005; Mail on Sunday, 8 May 2005; The Times, 9 May 2005
Inaccuracy
Prince and Princess Michael of Kent pay just £69 a week rent for their apartment at Kensington Palace.
Correction
On their behalf, The Queen is paying the rent for Prince and Princess Michael of Kent’s apartment at a commercial rate of £120,000 annually from her own private funds. The rent goes to the Grant-in-aid, provided by the Government for the maintenance of the Occupied Royal Palaces.
The rent is based on the current rate for commercially rented properties at Kensington Palace, and is recorded in the overall figures for commercial rents, in the Grant-in-aid annual report.
This rent payment by The Queen is in recognition of the Royal engagements and work for various charities which Prince and Princess Michael of Kent have undertaken at their own expense, and without any public funding.