Queen to get control over family members' money

The Queen will have "real power" over the huge sums of money given to junior royals each year under the shake-up of Palace finances.

She is taking control of annuities given to family members such as Prince Andrew, Prince Edward and the Duchess of Cornwall.

The £1.6 million total is currently paid by Parliament, which is then reimbursed from the Privy Purse. In future the Queen will pay members of the royal family directly and will be free to vary the amount. "This gives the Queen real power at last," said Labour MP Stephen Pound. "I can imagine there will be some awkward interviews each year."

The Duke of York receives £249,000, the Earl of Wessex £141,000 and the Princess Royal £228,000. The Duke of Gloucester, the Duke of Kent and Princess Alexandra share £636,000.

The fine print of a letter from the Keeper of the Privy Purse, Sir Alan Reid, published alongside the Bill to reform the royal household grants, makes clear that the Queen will have the final say.

The Duke of Edinburgh's £359,000 per year will continue to be paid by Parliament.