The Crown Estate has been charging the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) more than £60,000 annually for access to operate its lifeboats, according to reports.
The Crown Estate, which manages the monarchy's £16 billion property portfolio, including much of the UK's foreshore and seabed, collects these charges for 43 lifeboat stations and other facilities across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. These payments total £63,000 per year.
One of the larger fees is £31,000 annually for a lifeboat station by Waterloo Bridge in central London. Documents show a lease signed in 2021 for a floating dock near the Victoria Embankment, with payments set to increase with inflation. The RNLI stated that the majority of its other leases with the Crown Estate involve payments of less than £400 per year.
In 2013, the RNLI reportedly paid £110,000 to purchase a small area of Crown Estate seabed for a new station near Swansea, Wales. However, this station has been closed for over three years due to safety concerns regarding the pier.
The Crown Estate operates as a public corporation, generating returns for the public purse. A spokesperson for the Crown Estate stated that they cannot provide land or property use at a cost to taxpayers, as they are required to generate a return. They added that most RNLI leases are subject to a nominal rent covering administrative and legal costs.
Despite these charges, King Charles serves as the royal patron of the RNLI. Previously, the Duchy of Cornwall, now owned by Prince William, waived rents on six RNLI stations, school playing fields, and village halls after public outcry over royal finances, eliminating over £10,000 in charges.
Profits from the Crown Estate are used to fund the Sovereign Grant, to which the King is entitled to 12 percent of the profits. The Sovereign Grant increased by £45.8 million to £132.1 million in 2025-26.
Norman Baker, a former Government Minister and an expert on royal finances, expressed concern over the charges, stating the public would be 'horrified' to learn that the RNLI is being charged significant sums for its charitable work. He called for the charges to cease immediately and suggested the King should intervene to ensure the RNLI does not have to pay for its charitable operations.
The RNLI commented that these arrangements provide necessary long-term security and access for their lifesaving services. They also noted that the larger fee for the London station is in line with market value and was discounted due to the RNLI's charitable status.
Separately, Crown Estate Scotland charges the RNLI rent at an additional 22 locations, with average annual payments of £240. Profits from Crown Estate Scotland are transferred to the Scottish Government, not the Royal Family. A spokesperson confirmed they are legally required to obtain market value for these leases.