Investigation Exposes King Charles and Prince William's Estates Raking in Millions from Charities and Public Service

Mar. 15, 2025

King Charles and Prince William at the Army Aviation Centre on May 13, 2024 in Stockbridge, Hampshire, England.Photo:Kin Cheung - WPA Pool/Getty

Kin Cheung - WPA Pool/Getty

King CharlesandPrince Williamreportedly make millions in income from contracts that their respective royal estates have with charities, public services and more, a new investigation claims.

On Nov. 2,The Sunday Timesand the current affairs showDispatcheson Channel 4 in the U.K. unveiled a joint investigation making the allegation that King Charles, 75, and Prince William, 42, are generating this revenue through the Duchies of Lancaster and Cornwall. ADispatchesprogram titledThe King, The Prince & Their Secret Millionsdebuted the same day.

In statements shared with PEOPLE, spokespersons for the Duchy of Lancaster and Duchy of Cornwall emphasized each estate’s private status.

“The Duchy of Lancaster manages a broad range of land and property assets. It is self-financing and does not receive any public funds in connection with its activities,” said a spokesperson from the Duchy of Lancaster. “It publishes an Annual Report and Accounts that is independently audited and available to view on its website and complies with all relevant U.K. legislation and regulatory standards applicable to its range of business activities.”

Offering a similar comment, a Duchy of Cornwall spokesperson said, “The Duchy of Cornwall is a private estate with a commercial imperative which we achieve alongside our commitment to restoring the natural environment and generating positive social impact for our communities.”

King Charles and Prince William walk at Duchy Home Farm in Tetbury, England in May 2004.Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty

Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty

“The Duchy Files show the royals charge for the right to cross rivers; offload cargo onto the shore; run cables under their beaches; operate schools and charities; and even dig graves. They earn revenue from toll bridges, ferries, sewage pipes, churches, village halls, pubs, distilleries, gas pipelines, boat moorings, opencast and underground mines, car parks, rental homes and wind turbines,” the outlet alleged.

The arrangement is perceived to be problematic because the royals purportedly “operate as commercial landlords” with the benefit of a special Treasury agreement “exempting them from paying tax on their corporate profits.”

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The outlet said that the duchies earned about $65 million last year, with the Duchy of Lancaster driving about $35 million for the King and the Duchy of Cornwall making about $30 million for William.

Through the Crown Lands Act 1702, King Charles receives income, not capital, from the Duchy of Lancaster, according to itshistory. Meanwhile, his eldest son Prince William chooses to use the revenue from the Duchy of Cornwall to pay for his public, private and charitable activities, per the duchy’sFAQ.

source: people.com