Prince William has decided he will no longer personally benefit from the controversial £1.5 million annual rent generated by the abandoned Dartmoor Prison, a move that could reshape the monarchy's future. The decision was revealed in the royal family's tax returns, which also showed King Charles paid £12.9 million in tax for 2024-2025, ranking among the top 100 UK taxpayers, while the Prince of Wales paid £7.76 million.
William's Gesture to Redirect Prison Rent
The Dartmoor Prison, a category C facility in Devon, has been empty since July 2024 due to high levels of radon found in prisoners' accommodation. The prison sits on land owned by the Duchy of Cornwall, a billion-pound estate covering 51,800 hectares across 19 counties. As heir to the throne, William is entitled to the Duchy's annual profits, but he has instructed that the £1.5 million sum be removed from the Duchy's income and spent on regenerating the local community instead.
William's private secretary stated that the prison's closure created "genuine uncertainty" for residents in the area. The Duke felt strongly that the income's benefit should remain in the isolated rural community of Princetown, next to the prison, to offer social, economic, and environmental benefits.
Broader Financial Reforms and Community Investments
This is not William's first sweeping gesture to give back to those in need. In May, the Duchy announced it would sell off 20% of its property over 10 years, with the £500 million raised to be invested in local communities, including affordable housing and environmental projects. William has also focused on tackling homelessness, hoping the Duchy will provide an extra 12,000 homes by 2040, a third of which will be affordable. Other funds will be made available for rural jobs and a solar panel rollout.
Contrast with Other Royals
These huge financial gestures stand in stark contrast to the actions of other royals. Sarah Ferguson has been criticized for her relentless pursuit of a princess's lifestyle beyond her means, while Prince Andrew earned the moniker 'Air Miles Andy' for travelling the world at taxpayers' expense. Even William's brother and sister-in-law, Harry and Meghan, have been accused of being obsessed with gathering wealth, even if it means publicly insulting their own families.
William has a chance to create a new standard for the monarchy, one that places giving back at its heart. The public is eager for this change, and if he continues to give away vast sums to good causes, history might judge him as the best ever king.
