King Charles and Prince William under pressure as Duchies of Lancaster and Cornwall review financial ties to taxpayer-funded institutions
King Charles and the Prince of Wales are under renewed scrutiny following revelations that their private estates — the Duchies of Lancaster and Cornwall — have profited from millions in rent paid by public bodies, including the NHS, schools, and the armed forces.
The controversy has prompted the Duchy of Lancaster, which provides King Charles with a private income, to announce an active review of its rental agreements. The move comes amid growing demands for greater transparency and fairness in how royal estates manage their extensive property holdings.
Similarly, the Duchy of Cornwall — which funds the office of the Prince of Wales and supports his income — has begun taking steps in response to public concern. Will Bax, the duchy’s secretary and keeper of records, acknowledged the growing media attention and confirmed that rent has been waived for grassroots groups like the Scouts, while local charities have seen rental costs reduced by up to 50%.
The Duchy of Cornwall reported a slight drop in earnings last year, falling to £22.9 million from £23.6 million. Although the estate did not release specific tax information, it stated that the Prince of Wales pays tax at the "highest rate."
Bax stressed that the recent criticism had prompted reflection within the duchy. “Both the duke and I are clear that we want the duchy to be world-class in our approach to supporting people, communities and nature to flourish,” he said.
The estates now face pressure to align their historic wealth with modern expectations of accountability — especially when public funds are involved.
