Future King aims to turn Duchy of Cornwall into force for public good
Prince William has embarked on a discreet but ambitious mission to reshape the Duchy of Cornwall as a platform for social impact before becoming monarch.
The Prince of Wales, who inherited the estate in 2022 following his father’s accession to the throne, intends to steer the 700-year-old institution away from its traditional role as a revenue-generating estate. Instead, he hopes to make it "another branch of [his] philanthropy".
Speaking to The Telegraph, William said, “We’re not the traditional landowner. We want to be more than that.”
His vision includes transforming the Duchy — which spans nearly 130,000 acres across 20 counties — into a vehicle for positive change, addressing issues such as homelessness, river restoration, and the mental well-being of farmers.
The father-of-three maintains a close connection to the land, reportedly visiting parts of the estate every four to six weeks. More than 150 people work across its eight offices, managing a wide range of rural and urban holdings.
Although the Duchy will eventually pass to his eldest son, William is determined to leave a lasting legacy rooted in social responsibility.
