August M
Prince William is said to be preparing a long-term transformation of the Duchy of Cornwall, with reports suggesting the future king wants to redirect large sums into housing and environmental projects.
The move would mark one of the biggest strategic shifts for the royal estate in decades, as William focuses on social and sustainability goals across several regions of England, reports The Express.
Estate reshaping
According to The Times, the Prince of Wales is considering selling around 20% of Duchy of Cornwall land holdings over the next decade.
The reported plan could generate roughly £500 million, which would then be reinvested into projects linked to affordable housing, renewable energy, and environmental recovery.
The Duchy of Cornwall, established in 1337 by King Edward III, provides private income to the heir to the British throne and typically generates annual profits exceeding £20 million.
Prince William inherited control of the estate after King Charles became monarch in 2022.
Housing focus
The Times reported that a significant portion of the planned investment would target housing shortages in areas including Cornwall, the Isles of Scilly, Kennington in south London, Dartmoor, and parts of Bath.
Around £160 million is reportedly expected to go specifically toward affordable housing developments.
Will Bax, chief executive of the duchy, said the estate hopes to “unlock about 10,000 to 12,000 homes between now and 2040.”
William is believed to view these areas as places where the duchy can have the greatest long-term social impact.
Green projects
Alongside housing, the duchy is also expected to increase spending on environmental restoration and workplace development.
Plans reportedly include projects capable of generating up to 100MW of renewable energy.
The strategy reflects William’s growing focus on climate and sustainability issues, themes that have become increasingly central to his public work in recent years.
The Prince of Wales regularly visits duchy properties and communities both publicly and privately throughout the year.
Farm changes
The reported overhaul follows earlier revelations from The Times that the duchy planned to sell ten tenant farms on the Bradninch estate in Devon.
At the time, estate officials said the decision was intended to help tenant farmers purchase land themselves under favorable conditions.
Bax said all ten tenants were in discussions about buying their farms and suggested most were expected to proceed.
The broader restructuring could signal a more modern approach to how royal estates are managed under William’s leadership.
Sources: The Express, The Times
