Lydia Alty: The 20-year-old Royal expert exploding misconceptions about the monarchy on social media
Lydia Alty, a 20-year-old royal expert, journalist, and YouTuber from Buckinghamshire, has recently ignited a major conversation on social media about the British monarchy.
With over a quarter of a million YouTube subscribers and millions of views across Instagram and TikTok, Lydia is rapidly emerging as a leading young voice in royal commentary — known for her clear, fact-driven explanations and passionate defense of the Crown.
Over a series of explosive posts this week, Lydia has taken on anti-monarchists head-on, describing many of their arguments as “uneducated” and lacking a genuine understanding of both the monarchy’s current workings and its complex historical legacy.
Breaking Down the Money Myth: What the Crown Estate Really Does
One of Lydia’s key points is the often-misunderstood role of the Crown Estate — the extensive portfolio of land and property “owned in right of the Crown” but managed as a public asset.
“In 2023 alone, the Crown Estate handed over £442 million to the Treasury — that’s 100% of its profits,” Lydia explained. “Only 12.5% of that comes back to fund the monarchy through the Sovereign Grant, which is fully audited and regulated. So the idea that abolishing the monarchy would ‘free up’ billions is simply false. That money already works for the country.”
She emphasises that the Sovereign Grant — the official funding mechanism for the royal household — is transparently managed and a fraction of the Crown Estate’s profits, countering widespread misinformation about royal finances.
The Monarchy and Tourism: A Massive Economic Engine
Lydia also debunks claims that the monarchy doesn’t bring tourists or revenue to the UK.
“VisitBritain estimates the monarchy attracts between £550 and £600 million a year through tourism alone,” she said. “Windsor Castle saw over 1.1 million visitors in 2022, making it the UK’s most visited paid attraction outside London. Buckingham Palace, which opens to the public for just 10 weeks a year, still draws around half a million visitors in that short time.”
She points out that royal events — from Trooping the Colour to Jubilee celebrations and royal weddings — create cultural moments and media exposure that no other institution replicates, making royal sites ‘living history’ rather than static museums.
Addressing Security Costs and Royal Privileges
On the subject of royal security, Lydia clarifies the common misconceptions about expenses:
“Senior royals represent the state and require protection, just like presidents and heads of government. This is about risk management, not perks. And former royals like Prince Harry pay their own security costs — he’s even taken legal action against the Home Office for refusing funding, despite costing UK taxpayers over £100,000 in private security.”
Public Access and Heritage Funding
Lydia explains that royal palaces are already open to the public and contribute significantly to heritage preservation:
“The Royal Collection Trust earned £64 million before the pandemic, and Historic Royal Palaces brought in £124 million in 2019 from places like the Tower of London. This revenue supports heritage, creates jobs, and fuels the tourism industry — it doesn’t just vanish.”
Educating the Next Generation: Lydia’s Call for Royal Education in Schools
Beyond her social media work, Lydia is a strong advocate for improving how the monarchy is taught in schools. She argues that understanding the “technicalities” of how the royal family functions today, alongside the rich history behind it, is crucial for an informed public.
“I want young people to be taught about how the monarchy actually works — the finances, the constitutional role, and its significance in the UK’s identity,” Lydia says. “We should also learn about the history of the monarchy honestly, including why monarchs did certain things that would be unacceptable today. It’s important to see these actions in the context of their time rather than judging them solely by modern standards.
"People need to understand period-of-time rules — what was considered normal or correct centuries or even just a hundred years ago might be shocking now, but that’s because society has changed. We shouldn’t be lumping today’s monarchy, who had nothing to do with those past actions and do amazing work now supporting charities, communities, and causes, in with ancient royals who lived under completely different rules and expectations.
"This is a common argument anti-monarchists bring up, but it’s an uneducated view. You simply cannot compare rulers from vastly different eras, especially when the modern monarchy has spent hundreds of years evolving into a constitutional, caring, and kind institution that reflects today’s values.”
She stresses that this balanced historical education would help combat misconceptions and foster a nuanced appreciation of the monarchy’s evolving role over centuries.
A Rising Star in Royal Commentary
Lydia’s supporters often describe her as “wise beyond her years,” praising her for her articulate, well-researched insights and her ability to cut through misinformation. As she continues to educate and engage millions across platforms, Lydia Alty is fast becoming a significant voice in the ongoing debate about the monarchy’s place in modern Britain.