King Charles III asked to confirm council tax on Scottish royal residences

SNP MSP Jack Middleton has written to King Charles III seeking confirmation on whether the monarch will pay increased council tax rates for two royal residences in Scotland.

Following new policies aimed at addressing Scotland’s “housing emergency,” local councils have introduced significant premiums on second homes to prioritize primary residences over occasional use. In Aberdeenshire, a 200% premium was introduced in September, which would result in Balmoral Castle being charged three times the standard rate. In Edinburgh, the City Council is set to implement a 300% premium, meaning the Palace of Holyroodhouse could soon be charged four times the standard rate.

In his letter, Middleton requested clarity on whether these elevated rates are being applied to the properties and also inquired about the King’s response to a Scottish Government consultation regarding a proposed “mansion tax.”