A job advertisement posted on the Royal Household’s official website has sparked backlash online after social media users noticed the hourly wage offered for a housekeeping role.

The listing, which appeared earlier this month, described the ideal candidate as “passionate, conscientious, and detail-focused,” working across public areas, bedrooms, and historic spaces at the Palace of Holyroodhouse. The ad promised training, skill development, and a supportive environment, along with benefits like 25 to 30 days annual leave, an excellent non-contributory pension, and free on-site lunches.

“We also offer a range of leave options to support your life priorities,” the listing added, including parental leave, volunteering days, and wellness benefits.

But it was the hourly wage of £12.60 that caused outrage. Critics quickly took to social media to voice their concerns. One Twitter user wrote: “The British monarchy offers £12.60/hour for a cleaning assistant at Holyroodhouse, £5.40 less than the average payment for the role.” Others called it “disgusting,” “tragic,” and “so f*cked,” especially when comparing it to what some cleaners earn in less prestigious positions.

While the rate is just above the new UK National Living Wage of £12.21 per hour for workers aged 21 and over (effective from April 1), many feel it doesn’t reflect the prestige or financial resources of the Royal Household.

This controversy feeds into a long-standing public curiosity: how much do the royals actually cost, and where does their money come from?

The Royal Family draws from three main financial sources: the Sovereign Grant, the Sovereign Grant Reserve, and the Privy Purse. Their primary income, however, is publicly funded via the Sovereign Grant, which this year provided £86.3 million to cover official royal duties.