The British royal family recently released its latest annual financial report, drawing media focus to Crown Prince William’s financial status. The report reveals that, as the Duke of Cornwall, Prince William recorded an enormous income of £22.9 million (124 million MYR) for the 2024-2025 fiscal year, largely thanks to estates inherited from his father.
700-Year-Old Legacy Becomes the Heir’s ‘Private Treasury’
After King Charles III ascended the throne in 2022, Prince William officially inherited the Duchy of Cornwall estate. This is not a traditional salaried position, but rather the continuation of a vast ancestral legacy going back nearly 700 years. The estate was established by Edward III in 1337, with the aim of providing the heir to the throne with independent financial support.
Currently, the duchy’s land spans 23 counties across England and Wales, covering 130,000 acres, and has total assets exceeding USD 1 billion (4.056 billion MYR). The estate includes a large number of farms, residences, land holdings, and various investment vehicles. This income of 124 million MYR is mainly used to cover the official expenses of Prince William, Princess Kate, and their three children (George, Charlotte, and Louis), as well as their charity activities and private living costs. It is reported that after necessary expenditures, Prince William voluntarily pays personal income tax on his total revenue.
With his elevated status, Prince William’s royal duties have also changed. He has officially succeeded his late grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, as the official patron of the Football Association in England, moving from chairman to the higher role of guardian.
In addition, Prince William has been actively involved in managing the estate, including tackling homelessness issues within the duchy and promoting innovative housing initiatives. The Duchy of Cornwall also has plans to convert all estate assets into ‘net zero emissions’ properties by the end of 2032.
William and Kate to Be Granted Royal Warrant, Princess’s Influence Expected to Surpass Before
Besides estate income, William and Kate’s influence in the business world will also see major growth. By the spring of 2026, the couple is expected to officially become ‘Royal Warrant Holders’, granting them the authority to award British royal endorsement to various premium brands.
For leading global brands, this is considered a ‘golden ticket’ of sorts, as certified companies can display the royal coat of arms on their packaging. Notably, Princess Kate will become the first Princess of Wales in nearly 115 years to gain this honor. Given Kate’s impressive track record driving trends in the fashion world, royal warrants conferred by her are expected to become highly desirable promotional labels in the commercial market.