Prince William's latest land sale has sparked backlash among residents, who fear they will be "abandoned".
The Prince of Wales is selling off his Bradninch Estate in Devon, a 3,000-acre holding that forms part of his £23 million-a-year Duchy of Cornwall to raise money for other priorities, including homelessness and climate change.
Residents told The Observer over the weekend that they fear the move could threaten their homes and livelihoods, with possession orders last month giving farmers and renters just six months in which to either purchase their properties or vacate them.
However, it's understood that tenants have been offered first refusals to buy their homes, while eight out of nine farming tenants are in talks to buy their land, with discounts available depending on length of tenure and investment.
© Getty ImagesIn addition, a spokesperson said that each tenant is being supported through the changes on an individual basis, with access to welfare and mental health services. They will also continue to be supported after making their decision.
The Prince has aligned himself with farmers for a long time, seeking to champion their mental health.
He became the Patron of We Are Farming Minds back in March 2025 and has focused much of his work on visiting rural communities. In 2023, he launched a new mental health strategy for Duchy tenants, including a dedicated wellbeing helpline.
What have tenants said about the sale?
Mary Ryan, a former GP who has supported tenants over 36 years in Bradninch, told The Observer: "People draw attention to the irony of Prince William talking about his concern for mental health and for homelessness while at the same time very badly affecting the mental health of people who live and work here and potentially making families homeless."
Her husband, surgeon John Palmer, said there was a feeling of "abandonment" among tenants, telling the paper: "I honestly feel that he's a custodian rather than an owner."
© POOL/AFP via Getty Images"I've been a royalist all my life and I think Charles was fantastic. William can go to hell," one resident added.
Tenants also recalled meeting Prince William at a reception at St James's Palace to mark the handover of the Duchy, where the King was "emotional", while his son "walked straight out afterwards."
A spokesperson for Kensington Palace told the publication: "We recognise that these are important and deeply personal decisions. Every tenant is being supported through the process on an individual basis, with access to practical guidance from the estate team, independent welfare and mental health support services and ongoing discussions about what is right for their circumstances.
"These changes are part of a long-term strategy to direct future Duchy of Cornwall investment where it can deliver the greatest long-term benefit for communities, farming, nature and the local economy. We will continue to support tenants with care, respect and fairness, whatever decision they ultimately make."
HELLO! has reached out to Kensington Palace for further comment.
Prince William's Duchy of Cornwall overhaul
William, who is married to Princess Catherine, is selling one-fifth of his Duchy of Cornwall portfolio, after inheriting it from his father in 2022.
Will Bax, who has been chief executive of the Duchy since 2024, told the paper: "If we don’t see an opportunity for positive impact, then perhaps we don’t need to be a part of that place."
© GettyAddressing the planned sale, he said: "But where there is social need and where there is environmental challenge and where there is an opportunity to enable change, then we’ll be a great partner in working with people to achieve that."
The Duchy comprises 54,000 hectares of land and has been bestowed on every heir since the 14th century.
