King Charles Trembles As William’s BIG Decision To Shake Monarchy Marked Catherine’s Return
The latest royal accounts have disclosed the significant earnings of the Prince and Princess of Wales, revealing they collected $6.1 million last year. This income primarily comes from the Duchy of Cornwall, a vast private estate established in the 14th century to support the Prince of Wales title, now valued at approximately $2.46 billion. Since being elevated to their positions in 2022, Prince William and Princess Catherine have received considerable pay raises, benefiting from the Duchy’s annual surplus.
Critics have raised concerns about the couple’s wealth, particularly given their substantial earnings. For instance, their combined income from the Duchy could be seen as the equivalent of the annual salaries of 635 nurses. This wealth has also sparked scrutiny due to Prince William’s recent decision not to disclose his tax payments for the 2023 to 2024 financial year, a tradition his father, King Charles, had maintained for 30 years.
As the heir to the throne, Prince William is entitled to the surplus profits of the Cornwall estate, which owns properties across 23 counties in England and Wales. These funds support the official, charitable, and private lives of the Wales family. Kensington Palace stated that William paid taxes at the standard UK rate after deducting official costs but did not reveal the specific amount. This decision contrasts with King Charles’s practice of transparency regarding his tax payments during his tenure as Duke of Cornwall.
The decision to withhold this information has been criticized by commentators and royal observers. Peter Hunt, a former BBC royal correspondent, highlighted the issue of non-disclosure, suggesting that William’s desire for privacy might overshadow the need for transparency. The lack of detailed financial disclosures could pose challenges for the royal family’s public image and accountability in the future.
Despite these concerns, the recent accounts also reveal the philanthropic efforts of Prince William and Princess Catherine. They have made personal donations to various causes, including charities linked to the war in Ukraine, earthquake appeals in Turkey and Syria, the London Air Ambulance, and mental health charities.
Additionally, William has shown a modern approach to his royal duties by using WhatsApp for communication, a method different from his father’s preference for phone calls. Alistair Martin, the outgoing secretary and Keeper of the Records for the Duchy of Cornwall, noted that William is very involved and responsive, often communicating via WhatsApp even on weekends.
In summary, while the substantial earnings and non-disclosure of specific tax details have raised questions about transparency, Prince William and Princess Catherine’s philanthropic activities and modern communication methods reflect their adaptation to contemporary expectations and responsibilities.
