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Explained in plain English

What is the Crown Estate?

The Crown Estate is a vast portfolio of land and property across the UK, including much of central London and almost all of the UK's seabed. It belongs to the reigning monarch 'in right of the Crown', but isn't their private property. Its profits go to the Treasury, not the Royal Family, funding public services. This differs from the Royal Collection, which is distinct.

Stories that explain this

Buckingham Palace gallery doubles its painting display

Questions this opens up

Where does the money go? What does the Crown own? Who manages it?

Related explainers

Is all royal property public? Who owns royal art? Why rehang paintings? What is the Royal Collection? What are State Rooms? Who buys these huge estates?

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