Norman Baker Calls For A 'Slimmed-Down Monarchy' As Royal Funding Skyrockets

"It's absurd that on this so-called slimmed-down monarchy... the costs go up and up." The monarchy's funding model has become detached from public accountability, and the Sovereign Grant should be replaced with a parliamentary grant as royal costs continue to rise despite promises of a "slimmed-down" monarchy, says former Lib Dem minister and author Norman Baker. Norman Baker was speaking to James Kitchin on Times Radio Early Breakfast. Listen live every Monday-Friday from 5-6am. A discerning look at royal life in the era of King Charles, presented by the royal editors of The Times and Sunday Times, Kate Mansey and Roya Nikkhah – two women with unmatched insight into the inner workings of the monarchy. It’s a time of challenges and change for the royal family, but also one of great hope and warmth, and a sense of the possibilities of this new Carolean age. There are personal challenges for the royals, but new links are being forged with “kind words”, as King Charles has said, between the public and the Palace. Join Roya and Kate every week for their reactions to the latest news on Charles and Camilla, William and Kate, Harry and Meghan and more. Read the best of our journalism: https://www.thetimes.com/ Subscribe to the Times Royals YouTube channel: https://   / @timesroyals   Find us on Facebook:   / timesandsundaytimes   Find us on X: https://x.com/thetimes Find us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thetimes?lang=en Find us on Instagram:   / thetimes