The News
Prince William’s Staggering Fortune: A Closer Look at the Future King’s Wealth
The prince and princess of Wales hold a special place in the hearts of many across the country.
Recently, Prince William found himself in a rather amusing situation when a young boy boldly inquired about his financial status during a visit to a project addressing youth violence in Manchester.
The 11-year-old, Amir Hassan, put the future king on the spot by asking, “How much do you have in your bank account?”
Despite the unexpected question, Prince William took it in stride, sharing a laugh with the boy and admitting that he was unsure of the exact amount in his coffers.
However, thanks to annual public reports, details of Prince William's substantial fortune have come to light.
Following the passing of his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, Prince William and his wife Catherine not only acquired new impressive titles but also inherited the vast Duchy of Cornwall estate.
This inheritance catapulted Prince William into the realm of billionaires, with the Duchy of Cornwall being estimated at a staggering £1 billion.
Established in 1337 by Edward III for his son, Prince Edward, the estate spans over 52,549 hectares across 20 counties in south-western England and is currently under Prince William's stewardship, who holds the title of Duke of Cornwall.
Recent disclosures revealed that Prince William received a private income of nearly £6 million from the Duchy of Cornwall in the last financial year.
While traditionally, Prince William would be entitled to half of this income as his spouse, the complexities arising from his position as the heir to the throne have led to intricate financial arrangements.
The extensive land holdings under the Duchy of Cornwall encompass a diverse array of properties and tenants, adding layers of complexity to Prince William's financial portfolio.
Among the notable properties owned by the Duchy of Cornwall is the picturesque Isles of Scilly, along with Highgrove, the personal country retreat of Prince William's father, King Charles, making Prince William his father's landlord.
Additionally, the Duchy of Cornwall boasts ownership of Dartmoor prison, a historic site with a storied past.
Not confined to rural areas, the estate also includes properties in urban centers such as London's Kennington, which encompasses the iconic cricket ground, the Oval, known for hosting memorable sporting events including England's Ashes victory in 2005.
In addition to his Duchy of Cornwall income, Prince William received a substantial sum following the passing of his great-grandmother, the Queen Mother, in 2002.
While a significant portion of her estate was placed in a trust fund to benefit all her great-grandchildren, an agreement stipulated that Prince Harry would receive a larger share than Prince William.
This decision stemmed from the understanding that Prince William would eventually inherit the Duchy of Cornwall, ensuring his financial security in the long run.
Even before his inheritance of the Duchy of Cornwall, Prince William had amassed considerable wealth through various inheritances.
Notably, he inherited $10 million following the tragic death of his mother, Princess Diana, in 1997.
Princess Diana's generous will ensured that both her sons, William and Harry, were financially provided for, underscoring her care for their well-being.
The total value of Princess Diana's estate exceeded 21 million pounds at the time of her passing, highlighting the substantial financial legacy she left behind for her beloved sons and other beneficiaries.