Prince William wearing a black suit as he speaks on Lorraine. © Rex

Will Prince William sell properties given to him by King Charles?

The Prince of Wales inherited properties when he took on the Duchy of Cornwall from his father King Charles – but is it all set to change?

Homes Editor
April 21, 2023

When Prince William, 40, took over the Prince of Wales title from his father King Charles, he also took on the responsibilities of the Duchy of Cornwall, becoming one of the biggest landowners in the UK.

The Duchy of Cornwall comprises of a range of different properties and land projects, including Highgrove House and the Guy's Estate and the Cradley Estate in Hereford, and even Oval cricket ground. The impressive Duchy, spanning 23 counties, brings in a £23 million-a-year income.

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However, the way it is run has come under question from campaigners as currently people under the Duchy cannot buy their leasehold or freehold property outright but many are calling for this special royal privilege to be revoked.

As the monarchy modernises and changes under the rule of Charles, could this be one of the changes? It would mean that William could technically sell off some of the properties under the Duchy, but this would be a landmark change.

Highgrove House is now technically owned by William

As it stands, the monarchy is able to vet the contents of any bills in parliament related to this issue before they get debated, so it seems unlikely that an overhaul is pending.

The Duchy of Cornwall website explains: "The Duke has no access to the Duchy's capital value and he pays income tax on the annual revenue, which is used to fund the public, charitable and private activities of The Duke and Duchess of Cornwall." So if the rules did change and William sold off parts of the Duchy, he would not be eligible to receive the gains.

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© Photo: Getty Images

William took on the Duchy from his father

Away from Prince William's property that he manages, he has three homes that are gifted by the Crown Estate for him and his family to live in. Prince William and Princess Kate's main residence, Adelaide Cottage, with their three children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, their central London base, Apartment 1A at Kensington Palace, where they used to live full time, and also their countryside home, Anmer Hall, in Norfolk, where they like to retreat in school holidays.

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