Royals Face Backlash for Poor Energy Ratings on Private Estates, Raising Questions About Commitment to Climate Change
As Prince William heads to South Africa to launch the fourth Earthshot Prize, he is facing intense criticism following a recent report on the income and environmental impact of royal estates.
A report by The Sunday Times revealed substantial annual earnings for both King Charles and Prince William, sparking accusations that the royals are profiting “off the backs of their subjects.” While Charles has long promoted environmentalism and William’s Earthshot Prize aims to champion climate solutions, the royals were called “selectively green” due to the energy inefficiencies on their private estates.
Royal correspondent Tom Sykes pointed out in The Daily Beast that 14% of properties under William's Duchy of Cornwall and 13% of those in Charles' Duchy of Lancaster received dismal energy ratings of F or G — the least efficient on the EU scale. This has led to criticisms of hypocrisy, with Sykes remarking, “Speeches about the environment don’t quite extend to ensuring their own properties meet basic efficiency rules.”
Notably, renting properties with such low energy ratings is technically illegal under U.K. standards. While a spokesperson for the Duchy of Lancaster claimed compliance with current laws, a Duchy of Cornwall representative described it as “a private estate with a commercial imperative,” highlighting a commitment to positive environmental and social impacts.
The controversy arises as William embarks on a week of Earthshot Prize engagements in Cape Town, focusing on innovative solutions for the planet.
