**Prince William Set to Make a Splash in New York for Earthshot Prize Summit**

In an exciting turn of events, Prince William is gearing up for a return to the bustling streets of New York City.

The heir to the British throne is set to attend the third annual Earthshot Prize Innovation Summit on September 24.

His previous visit to the Big Apple last year was nothing short of memorable, leaving a lasting impression as he navigated the city's vibrant atmosphere while championing environmental initiatives.

Last year's Earthshot event saw William making waves during his solo trip, which was met with much anticipation and excitement.

This time around, however, his visit comes with a bit of controversy.

Recent revelations have shed light on the funding of his flights, sparking a debate about the use of public money for royal travel.

It turns out that the British government covered the costs of his journey to New York, an issue that has raised eyebrows given William's substantial personal wealth.

A report released this week revealed that the Prince received an impressive $30.4 million from the Duchy of Cornwall's profits in the past year.

This historic estate, which dates back to 1337, provides the royal family with a private income derived from various land and financial assets.

The Sovereign Grant Report, an annual publication detailing the monarchy's expenses, indicated that William's commercial flights to New York in September 2023 were funded by the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office, which is publicly financed.

While the trip was primarily promoted as an opportunity to engage with the Earthshot Prize, questions linger about the transparency surrounding royal finances.

Despite the significant profits from the Duchy, critics are curious about how much of their wealth the Prince and Princess of Wales are willing to contribute to their causes.

Although they do partake in philanthropy, including donations to disaster relief efforts and mental health initiatives, it's evident that their contributions are just a fraction of their earnings.

To put things into perspective, the amount they donated recently represents less than what they earn in just a day and a half.

This raises an interesting question: how committed are they truly to making a difference?

Over the past few years, the couple has been busy reshaping their approach to royal duties, focusing more on pressing global issues like climate change and mental health rather than merely attending ceremonial events.

This shift in focus is shared by King Charles and Queen Camilla, who are also working diligently to make the monarchy appear relevant and beneficial to British society.

In contrast to William's current level of financial secrecy, King Charles was known for his transparency regarding taxes during his tenure at the Duchy of Cornwall.

In 2022, he paid around $6 million in taxes, showcasing a commitment to accountability that seems to be lacking in the present royal financial disclosures.

Kensington Palace has stated that William pays an appropriate amount of income tax, but the lack of detailed public records raises questions about the true extent of his financial obligations.

As Prince William's wealth continues to grow, it's clear that his income from the Duchy plays a significant role in covering the expenses of his family, which includes Catherine Middleton and their children.

Interestingly, while William does pay capital gains tax, the Duchy itself enjoys certain tax exemptions, provided profits are reinvested back into the estate.

This complex financial web makes it challenging to gauge the true impact of the royal family's charitable efforts versus their private wealth accumulation.

As the Prince prepares for his upcoming visit to New York, many are left wondering how this trip will play out against the backdrop of these financial discussions.

Will his presence at the Earthshot Prize Summit overshadow the scrutiny surrounding his funding?

Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: the world will be watching closely as he steps back into the limelight.