Prince William is preparing an ambitious plan to sell around 20% of the Duchy of Cornwall over the next decade to fund a major push in housing, environmental, and renewable energy projects.
The Duchy, established in 1337 to provide income for the heir to the throne, came under William’s control following King Charles’ accession in 2022. According to The Times (UK), the sales could raise approximately $670 million, allowing the Duchy to focus on five key “heartlands”: Cornwall, Dartmoor, the Isles of Scilly, Bath, and parts of London.
Valued at over $1.3 billion and currently providing William with a private annual income of nearly $31 million, the Duchy plans to use the proceeds to build thousands of new homes while expanding green energy initiatives across England.
Duchy CEO Will Bax explained that the goal is to shift the estate from a traditional landholding role to one that delivers tangible social impact. “If we don’t see an opportunity for positive impact, perhaps we don’t need to be part of that place. But where there is social need and environmental challenge, we can be a strong partner in creating change,” he told The Times.
“We want to be more than a traditional landowner… there is so much good we can do. My priority is improving the lives of people living in these areas,” Prince William added, according to the BBC.
This week, the Prince will visit the Duchy to highlight initiatives tackling homelessness, supporting local communities, and delivering affordable, sustainable housing in Nansledan, Cornwall, and St. Mary’s, Isles of Scilly.
The move reflects William’s vision to modernize royal estates, combining tradition with social and environmental responsibility, and positioning the Duchy as a catalyst for positive change in British communities.
