The personnel of the King will receive a bonus of up to £600 to assist with the cost of living crisis.

The Sun newspaper said that the bonuses would amount to tens of thousands of pounds and would come in part from the King’s private income.

Staff earning less than £30,000 will receive a lump sum of £600, while those earning more would receive less.

Buckingham Palace refused to comment

The Sun said that people earning between £30,000 and £40,000 will receive £400 in a single payment, while those earning between £40,000 and £45,000 will receive £350.

An insider informed the publication: “The King gives money from his pocket to the lowest-earning household employees to assist them to cope with the rising expense of life.

“It is intended to target the areas of the Royal Household with the greatest need and reflects the reality of the country’s economic condition.

“The King is acutely aware of people’s escalating energy costs, is concerned for the economic security of loyal royal personnel, and is doing what he can”

Graham Smith from the organization Republic, which works for the end of the monarchy and calls for a directly-elected head of state, said it was “offensive” and “a ruse to convince people he cares” to claim he was helping staff with living costs with an extra £50 per month.

“While everyone else faces reductions in real income, public services, and benefits, Charles avoids inheritance taxes and costs taxpayers tens of millions of dollars per year,” he continued.

According to the royal accounts for 2020-2021, the Sovereign Grant pays for 491 full-time equivalent employees across the royal palaces, for a total wage bill of £23.7 million.