May 30, 2025: Prince William is proving to be a hands-on, results-driven leader—and it’s shaking things up behind the scenes of one of Britain’s most powerful estates.
Since inheriting the Duchy of Cornwall following King Charles’ accession in 2022, the Prince of Wales has taken an ambitious and proactive approach to managing the billion-dollar estate, which spans over 130,000 acres across 20 counties in England and Wales.
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While William, 42, quietly visits parts of the duchy every four to six weeks, The Telegraph recently joined him on one of these trips, offering rare insight into his leadership style.
According to Will Bax, the duchy’s secretary, William is “pretty demanding”—but in the best way possible.
“He’s got great conviction and personality, and he really wears his heart on his sleeve in terms of social impact,” Bax said.
Ben Murphy, the estate director, added that William shares his father’s “healthy impatience,” pushing the team to act quickly and with purpose. “It puts the wind in our sails,” he noted.
For William, the duchy isn’t just an inheritance—it’s a platform for impact. “I see the Duchy as an extension of the work we do with the Royal Foundation,” he said. “It’s a branch of my philanthropy.”
The Prince is especially focused on supporting mental health in farming communities, addressing homelessness, and promoting sustainability. Under his leadership, the Duchy has partnered with local organizations to improve housing, healthcare, and education access in rural areas.
Even on family getaways to the Isles of Scilly, Prince William makes a point of speaking with locals about how their lives could be improved—conversations that have already resulted in tangible community upgrades, including healthcare facilities and housing for teachers and doctors.
The Duchy’s 2023–2024 annual report revealed a surplus of $30.4 million, marking William’s first full financial year in charge. It’s reported that the Prince pays income tax on his earnings from the duchy after deducting household expenses.
Calling himself “a man on a mission,” William says he sees his role as Duke of Cornwall as a matter of responsibility and leadership.
“It’s about doing what’s right on the social issues of our time,” he emphasized. “This is what we’re going to do to make people’s lives in Cornwall better.”