Prince William Pledges to Revitalize Controversial £1.3 Billion Duchy Estate Amid Mold Concerns

In a bold move, Prince William has committed to improving his £1.3 billion Duchy of Cornwall estate, which has recently come under fire for its subpar living conditions.

Reports indicate that a staggering one in seven of the rental properties within this royal estate are rated F or G on the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) scale, falling short of the legal requirements that have been in place since 2020.

The issue came to light following an investigation by a Sunday newspaper and Channel 4's Dispatches, which scrutinized over 5,000 properties managed by the Duchy.

Many tenants have expressed their dissatisfaction regarding the prevalence of dampness and black mold in their homes, raising serious concerns about the living standards they endure.

Under current regulations, landlords are prohibited from renting out properties with an EPC rating below E unless they have secured an exemption.

Yet, it appears that Prince William's estate is not meeting this minimum standard, with nearly 14% of its rental properties failing to comply.

This oversight has sparked outrage among tenants who feel neglected and unheard.

One tenant, Claire Williams, shared her frustrations after spending years battling mold issues in her rented farmhouse near Exeter, Devon.

Despite investing approximately £200 monthly on heating oil, she reported that her home remains cold and poorly insulated, leading to persistent mold growth.

“I've tried everything, but it just keeps coming back,” she lamented, highlighting a lack of support from the Duchy.

Another renter described a similar plight, revealing that he spends hundreds of dollars on coal and wood each month to heat his home, which lacks central heating altogether.

He recounted how the landlord warned that installing radiators would significantly hike his rent, leaving him feeling trapped in a freezing environment with mold creeping onto his belongings.

With the Duchy of Cornwall boasting a history that dates back to 1337, many tenants are now questioning the estate's responsibility as a landlord.

Critics argue that it is unacceptable for a royal estate valued at billions to operate like a rogue landlord, particularly when it generates substantial profits—£24 million last year alone.

While Buckingham Palace undergoes a lavish £369 million renovation funded by the government, tenants in the Duchy properties are left grappling with inadequate living conditions.

This stark contrast has led to calls for Prince William to prioritize the welfare of his tenants rather than focusing solely on public relations efforts.

Despite the royal family's ongoing commitment to ending homelessness and promoting safe housing, some renters feel that these initiatives ring hollow when juxtaposed with their own experiences of neglect.

One tenant pointedly remarked that many of them find the polished PR campaigns offensive, suggesting that real change should start at home.

In a statement, a spokesperson for the Duchy of Cornwall emphasized Prince William's dedication to transforming the estate, including a significant investment aimed at achieving net-zero emissions by 2032.

They also mentioned plans for targeted mental health support for tenants and collaborations with local organizations to address homelessness in Cornwall.

As the estate grapples with these pressing issues, tenants await tangible improvements that align with the Duchy's lofty promises.

The situation serves as a reminder that even royal estates must uphold their responsibilities to provide safe and habitable living conditions for all residents.

The Duchy of Cornwall, while exempt from certain taxes, operates with a commercial imperative that aims to benefit both the public and the community.

However, as the scrutiny intensifies, it remains to be seen whether Prince William can deliver on his promise to revitalize his estate and ensure a better quality of life for those who call it home.