You won't believe how much King Charles and Prince William's estate profits from cash-strapped charities and public services
Channel 4’s Dispatches and the Sunday Times has revealed that King Charles and Prince William’s private estates are receiving significant funds from cash-strapped charities and public services. The estates, known as the Duchies of Lancaster and Cornwall, reportedly earn millions from leasing land and buildings.
The investigation found that the royals’ estates have amassed at least £50 million from leasing land to public services including the NHS, state schools, and prisons. One notable contract involves the Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS hospital trust in London, which will pay £11.4 million over 15 years to use a warehouse owned by the Duchy of Lancaster for its electric ambulance fleet.
King Charles is also expected to generate an estimated £28 million from windfarms, as the Duchy of Lancaster charges fees for cables crossing the foreshore. In addition, Prince William’s Duchy of Cornwall has agreed to lease Dartmoor prison to the Ministry of Justice for £37 million over 25 years. Despite this, the Ministry must handle all repairs for the currently unoccupied facility.
The report also highlights the financial burdens on charities. Camelford House, a 1960s tower block owned by the Duchy of Cornwall, has earned at least £22 million in rent since 2005. Two cancer charities, Marie Curie and Macmillan, have recently moved out due to high rental costs.
There are further charges levied by the royal estates. The Duchy of Cornwall charged the Royal Navy over £1 million for the construction and use of jetties, and imposed
