Prince William has been urged to take a more open approach to his finances and properties as he prepares for his future role as king.
The Prince of Wales, who is known for keeping his private life closely guarded, has been told that greater financial transparency could help strengthen public trust. The advice comes as King Charles continues to make efforts to be more open about royal finances.
Former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond told The Mirror that William may have made a mistake by not following his father’s example sooner.
“I think it was a bit of an own goal by William not to have followed his father’s example about revealing his tax bill until now,” she said.
Bond noted that Charles made his tax details public when he was Prince of Wales, which has left William looking as though he only acted after pressure mounted.
“That’s a shame,” she continued. “And, despite the Palace saying that this was all about clarity, context and transparency, it turns out that we have only part of the story.”
She added that the tax paid by the King and the Prince offers limited insight without a fuller breakdown of income, expenses, dividends and other financial details.
Bond also acknowledged William’s desire for privacy, but said he should recognize the public mood.
“I know William is a fiercely private man, but he does need to read the room and be more open about his finances,” she said.
She pointed out that the Duchy is professionally managed and officially audited, meaning there should be little reason to hold back.
“He would do himself a favour to be frank about it,” Bond added.
