Prince William has reportedly become the wealthiest member of the British royal family, with a net worth estimated at $1.6 billion. According to newly released financial accounts, the Prince of Wales has now surpassed his father, King Charles III, in personal wealth.
The figures come from the latest Sovereign Grant annual report, which outlines how public funding is used for the royal family’s official duties. Alongside the report, both William and King Charles disclosed details of their private tax payments in an effort to increase transparency about royal finances.
Duchy of Cornwall drives Prince William’s wealth
Most of Prince William’s wealth comes from the Duchy of Cornwall, a private estate he inherited after becoming the Prince of Wales.
The Duchy serves as the main source of income for William and helps fund the official, charitable and personal activities of him, Princess Kate, and their three children.
During the 2025-26 financial year, William reportedly received $28.5 million in private income from the estate.
Reports also state that he has paid more than $26 million in taxes since taking over the Duchy four years ago.
King Charles remains one of Britain’s wealthiest royals
Although King Charles continues to rank among Britain’s richest individuals, his reported fortune remains well below the billion-dollar mark.
According to the latest Sunday Times Rich List, the monarch’s net worth stands at $846 million. His wealth reportedly increased by nearly $52 million compared with the previous year.
Despite the increase, William’s inherited assets from the Duchy of Cornwall have pushed his estimated fortune well ahead of his father’s.
What is the Duchy of Cornwall?
The Duchy of Cornwall is a private estate created by King Edward III in 1337 to provide financial support for the heir to the British throne.
Today, the estate spans around 205 square miles across more than 20 counties in England.
Revenue generated by the Duchy helps fund the Prince of Wales’ public duties, charitable work, household expenses and family activities.
William gives up controversial prison rental income
Prince William has also taken steps to change how some of the Duchy’s income is used.
According to reports, he decided not to personally benefit from the $1.9 million annual rent generated by the former Dartmoor Prison.
Instead, beginning with the 2026-27 financial year, that income will reportedly be directed toward projects that support the local community.
The lease agreement for the prison was signed in 2022, before William inherited the Duchy, and runs for more than 25 years with the Ministry of Justice.
However, the Category C prison has remained closed since July 2024 after high levels of radon gas were found in prisoner accommodation.
Major investment plans for housing and nature
Prince William is also expected to reshape the future of the Duchy.
Reports indicate that he plans to sell around 20% of the Duchy of Cornwall’s assets over the next decade.
The proceeds, estimated at more than $670 million, would reportedly be invested in affordable housing projects and environmental conservation initiatives.
If implemented, the move would represent one of the biggest financial changes in the Duchy’s modern history.