The Belgian Government says it will consider limiting financial support to the royal family after rebuking Queen Fabiola for setting up a special inheritance system widely seen as a tax dodge.

Prime Minister Elio Di Rupo said he plans to change the system by which the royals get €15 million a year to fulfil their duties and force them to show what the funds are spent on.

The 84-year-old Queen is the widow of King Baudouin, who died in 1993. His brother, King Albert II, is now on the throne.

She is facing widespread accusations from politicians and media that a special private fund she set up is seeking to shield some of her fortune from inheritance taxes at a time when her people are struggling through tough economic times.

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