Dutch King Risks Losing Half His Pay From Tax Proposal
- Royal house’s 2024 budget currently amounts to $81.8 million
- Much of King’s allowance falls into 49.5% tax bracket
Dutch King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima
Photographer: Frank van Beek/AFP/Getty ImagesThis article is for subscribers only.
King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands is on the verge of losing almost half his paycheck as the country’s parliament prepares to vote on a proposal to tax his income — just like those of his subjects.
The king, as well as Queen Maxima, Princess Amalia, and the former queen, Princess Beatrix, have never paid taxes on the yearly allowance they receive for the tasks they undertake, a right that’s been anchored in the Dutch constitution. That could change after an alliance of parties presented a proposal in parliament on Thursday to alter the law.