According to Brand Finance, the UK monarchy’s capital value as a business sits at £67.5bn, while its annual contribution to the UK economy was £1.76bn in 2017 alone. Meanwhile, for the taxpayer, the annual cost per head is roughly 1p a day.

“The [monarchy’s] contribution includes the Crown Estate’s surplus as well as [its] indirect effect on various industries,” said Brand Finance in a press release. “The respect for the institution boosts the price and volume premium of brands boasting a Royal Warrant or a Coat of Arms; the appeal of pomp and circumstance set in living royal residences draws millions of tourists; the mystique surrounding the Monarchy adds to the popularity of shows like The Crown and Victoria that offer a glimpse of the private lives of the Royal Family.”

The monarchy’s near £2bn uplift for the UK economy has not decreased since 2017, according to Konrad Jagodzinski of Brand Finance. “Royal endorsements for products and the royal coat of arms are extremely important as a seal of quality, from biscuits to luxury items,” he says. “We found that US consumers are significantly more likely to buy a certain brand if it was seen to be endorsed by royals.”

There is also the impact of royals, in particular Elizabeth II, on the UK’s international image, something that drives investment, trade deals and, more generally, soft power. Beyond her birthright, Queen Elizabeth II was a diplomat, a standard-bearer, an icon, a beacon of stability, a unifying presence, an international ambassador that no other country could hope to match – as recently described by Investment Monitor.

Frankly put, they are a good money spinner, good emissaries to other countries and they do some good things (like the Prince's Trust, the Invicta Games, the Duke of Edinburgh scheme and so on). And they aren't all reliant on our small contributions - the Duchy is as highly lucrative business set up by Prince Charle that challenged people's perceptions on organics. And I hear he's a stellar landlord too.

Would I want to be a Royal? No, thank you! The constant press intrusion, being under the microscope 24/7, being expected to live life in a certain way… It must be said, the Royal Family enjoys a lavish lifestyle thanks to their Birth Right, but I think at least in monetary terms, a purely objective view, they’re worth the investment. And increasingly, the Royals have been more and more self-financing. I alluded to the Princes’ Trust earlier on - that has greatly benefitted me in my studies of late. The name associated with my college gave it great gravitas and people respect the brand, makes you look all the more respectful.

So yeah, the Royals ARE born into a plush lifestyle. The flip side is it may not be a life with much meaning and when you factor in all the benefits of having our Royal Family… they’re worth it.