I have a problem with the argument that if we were to get rid of them, we'd lose all that income from tourism. IMO, they'd still come in their droves. It's not as if we're able to see them on display as it is. The castles and palaces would all stay open and generate the same revenue. It's not like we're executing them. We could just pay them a LOT less, open up Buckingham Palace to the punters, let them fly EasyJet and take away any power they still have. Done deal.
They cost us a lot more than 38 million each year, some estimates quadruple that figure when adding in security and other fees. Some reports say 300 million return on tourism........but as I said, IMO they'd still come to visit regardless of whether the monarchy is still 'active'.