The funeral of Queen Elizabeth II and the period of mourning cost the UK government an estimated total of £162m, according to the Treasury.
Her death on 8 September 2022 triggered 10 days of national mourning that was then followed by a state funeral on 19 September.
During this period, hundreds of thousands of people made their way to London to pay their respects during her lying in state in Westminster Hall.
Chief Secretary to the Treasury John Glen said Queen Elizabeth II’s death was a “moment of huge national significance” and that the government had to ensure the surrounding events “ran smoothly and with the appropriate level of dignity, while at all times ensuring the safety and security of the public”.
A breakdown of costs provided by the government showed that the Home Office paid the greatest amount at £74m, followed by Department for Culture, Media and Sport which covered £57.4m.
The Scottish government incurred costs of £18.8milion, while the Welsh government and Northern Ireland office paid about £2m each.
The Treasury said the Scottish and Welsh governments and the Northern Ireland office were fully refunded for their respective costs.
Queen Elizabeth’s funeral attracted the attendance of world leaders including US president Joe Biden, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and French president Emmanuel Macron.
The National Police Chiefs’ Council said the event was the largest police operation ever undertaken in the UK – ahead of the opening and closing ceremonies for the London Olympics in 2012.
On 6 May, the King was coronated in Westminster Abbey alongside the Queen.
Following the event, the King said the nation’s support was “the greatest possible coronation gift”.
In a written message, he said: “We thank you, each and every one.”
“To know that we have your support and encouragement, and to witness your kindness expressed in so many different ways, has been the greatest possible coronation gift, as we now rededicate our lives to serving the people of the United Kingdom, the realms and commonwealth,” the King said.
