King Charles’ estates could be set for a major overhaul after receiving criticism, it has been revealed. The Duchy of Lancaster estate, which is owned by His Majesty and provides the monarch with an income, will reportedly “actively review” its rental agreements with the NHS and other taxpayer-funded bodies who use land on the estate.
This comes after the estate, along with Prince William’s Duchy of Cornwall estate, was criticised by Channel 4’s Dispatches programme over the rents it has changed to these public bodies, along with charities, schools and the armed forces. It was reported that the estates had received millions of pounds in rent from these deals, including an £11.4 million deal between Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust and the Duchy of Lancaster, which allowed the foundation to rent a London warehouse to store ambulances over a 15-year period.
This led to public criticism, which has now prompted potential changes.
So far Prince William’s estate has confirmed that changes will be made to some rental agreements on Duchy of Cornwall land, including a 50 per cent discount to local charity groups who rent space from the Duchy.
According to The Times, it has now been confirmed that The King’s Duchy of Lancaster estate will also take a look at its policies.
It said: “The Duchy of Lancaster has a long-established policy of offering nominal rental rates to small charities and community groups delivering valuable services at a local level.
“The duchy council actively reviews its policies on an ongoing basis and will continue to consider its future position on this matter to see what further steps may be taken.”
The latest accounts for the Duchy of Lancaster have yet to be released this year.
The estate, which spans across 44,748 acres of land, has provided an income to all reigning monarchs since 1399, with the sovereign holding the Duke of Lancaster title.
It is believed King Charles feels passionately about the estate, which is made up of commercial, agricultural and residential properties.