The Prince of Wales is currently facing backlash after announcing plans to sell off his Bradninch Estate in Devon, a 3,000-acre holding that's part of his £23 million-a-year Duchy of Cornwall. Tenant farmers renting the land in Mid Devon are not happy about the Duchy's plans and have been vocal about it. Amid the controversy, the 44-year-old royal has quietly celebrated a monetary success.
The Duchy of Cornwall shared an Instagram post from the Cornish Pirates rugby team, who raised over £18,000 during a charity fundraiser, where the lead foundation partner was the Duchy itself. The sports team gave the Duchy "special thanks" in the social media post.
Prince William's backlash over Duchy decision
© Getty ImagesThis small celebratory news comes days after Duchy residents told The Observer that they fear the sale of land could threaten their homes and livelihoods, with possession orders last month giving farmers and renters just six months to decide if they wish to purchase their properties or vacate them for good.
The Duchy of Cornwall is an extensive property and land portfolio which extends across 23 counties in England and Wales and includes the Oval Cricket Ground and 67,000 acres of Dartmoor. The collection currently makes Prince William the biggest private landowner in Britain.
Why did Prince Harry not get a share of the Duchy of Cornwall?
© Getty ImagesThe Duchy is a £1 billion property portfolio passed down from King Charles directly to his eldest son, Prince William. His brother Prince Harry didn't get a look in, as the responsibility goes to whoever is the Duke of Cornwall. The website explains: "HRH Prince William, The Prince of Wales, became the 25th Duke of Cornwall on his father’s (HM King Charles III) accession to the throne in 2022," and the site also points out that William's son George will be next in line to inherit it.
Asset protection expert Gideon Alper of Alper Law explains why Prince Harry "didn't lose an inheritance" even if it may seem that way.
"People assume the Royal Family's wealth works like a standard estate," says Gideon, "but constitutionally, most royal assets are held for the institution - not the individual. That means they aren't passed down like a normal family inheritance."
He continued: "Prince Harry didn't lose an inheritance [as] he simply never had a claim to institutional assets designed to support the monarchy. His private inheritance was already settled years ago."
