Christopher Warwick's Biography 'George and Marina' does go someway to explaining why they are always short on money.
Basically, when Prince George, Duke of Kent died in WW2 not only did his Civil list money cease, Marina also had to pay death duties (the only war widow in Britain made to do so apparently). Princess Marina having very little financial support from her own exiled family was expected to fund her children's education and keep up appearances herself. Although hardly destitute, they were always known as 'the poor relations'
But what I have never understood is how or why the Duke of Kent is so bad with money. He is a working royal so he would get money from the Civil List to funds his royal works. He lives in Kensington Palace which is a grace and favour home. He was also the Vice Chairman of the British Trade International for years.
I once watched an interview with Princess Michael and she stated that Prince Michael didn't get a Civil List allowance which would explain why they have their many commercial endeavours.
Apart from the jewellery there was also a small uproar a few years ago when they sold of some furniture and silver that had been presented to them by various British organisations.
I dunno, as much as I lament with what they've done with the jewels I don't know their situation. Who knows, Prince Charles likes history and works of art, maybe he could bring them back into the Royal Collection.
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