Jun 29, 2009, 11:02 GMT
Britain's Queen Elizabeth doesn't want her Diamond Jubilee linked to the "flashy" Olympics.
The 83-year-old monarch has reportedly spoken out against the Government's attempts to turn the two events - both due to take place in London in 2012 - into a joint celebration because she wants a more low-key bash.
A source told Britain's Daily Mail newspaper: "There have been some early-stage meetings at the Palace about what the Diamond Jubilee celebrations will comprise and at the moment the plans are being kept separate from the Olympics.
"The Queen believes Britain may well still be feeling the effects of the recession and therefore she wants something modest and reserved rather than any flashy displays of wealth. She does not want to saddle the taxpayers with huge costs.
"Besides, the Olympics are just a one-off event. The Monarch and her reign are ongoing."
It has been reported Elizabeth, who will be celebrating her 86th birthday and 60 years on the throne, wants to shy away from an extravagant party to ensure British taxpayers do not foot the bill as well as spending a reported £9.3billion on the sporting games.
The source added: "She is also aware of the fact that the Olympics is draining Britain's purse and there are a lot of people against having the Olympics in Britain because of that."
However, the queen has reportedly asked the Government for more money for the royal household.
Palace officials have told the Treasury they need a dramatic increase in the annual civil list - the money used by Elizabeth to pay for state duties, staffing and the upkeep of the royal household - because they are draining cash reserves.
MPs are expected to use the request to gain more concessions from the palace, including greater public access to royal collections and a clearer disclosure of spending.
Richard Bacon, a Conservative MP, said: "If there is to be a quid pro quo, there must be far greater access to Buckingham Palace. The White House also has a head of state and security concerns, but is open most of the year round."
The civil list has been set at £7.9 million for almost 20 years and royal official claim there is currently a £5 million funding gap every 12 months.
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