Heir to the Throne Commits to Upgrading Rental Homes After Investigation Reveals Profits from Public Contracts
Prince William has vowed to make changes to rental properties within the Duchy of Cornwall following public outcry over substantial earnings from the estate. A recent investigation by The Mirror and Channel 4’s Dispatches revealed that the estate brought in millions through contracts with public bodies and what critics describe as “exploiting unjust and feudal rights.”
The Prince of Wales, who recently launched a five-year initiative to combat homelessness, announced a new commitment to upgrade properties owned by the Duchy to meet minimum legal standards, ensuring tenants a “safe and stable home.” The estate, which includes over 600 rental properties, generated £24 million last year, with additional revenue from a 25-year lease on Dartmoor Prison to the Ministry of Justice.
One tenant expressed frustration, telling Property Industry Eye, “The slick PR will stick in the throat of many tenants. He should start by bringing the homes he already owns up to modern standards.” Reports describe some properties as “cold and poorly insulated,” lacking central heating and forcing tenants to rely on costly solid fuels for warmth.
Prince William’s response aims to address these concerns, but it remains to be seen how the public will react to his latest pledge.
