The Prince of Wales oversees a number of properties in his role as the owner and manager of the Duchy of Cornwall, but the least expected of the lot is HMP Dartmoor. According to a new report, Prince William, 43, has received millions of pounds of public money from the abandoned prison that was closed due to toxic gas levels.
The Sunday Times reported on 11 April that the Duchy of Cornwall owns the prison and has leased it to the Ministry of Justice for £1.5 million per year since December 2023. This would mean that over the past 20 months, the lease has generated at least £2.5 million in income.
Inside the unused prison
However, the prison in Devon has been unused since July 2024 after high levels of radon, a naturally occurring toxic gas that has been linked to lung cancer, were recorded in the prisoners’ accommodation.
© Getty ImagesThe category-C facility (which is designed for adult male prisoners who are unlikely to attempt escape but cannot be trusted in open conditions) is one of 42 prisons and probation sites in the UK with high radon levels.
The Duchy of Cornwall’s rental income
The Duchy of Cornwall refused to confirm how much tax William had paid on the lease income, stating: “The lease of HMP Dartmoor reflects long-standing arrangements governing the site and was negotiated on a standard commercial basis with both parties taking independent advice. We remain in regular contact with the Ministry of Justice, as it determines the future of the prison.”
© GettyIt added: “We have been actively engaged in discussions with the Ministry of Justice since the closure to find a fair and sustainable solution to this issue as soon as possible.”
The newspaper reported that since the site was left empty, it has become infested with rats, birds, bats, and insects. This came after windows were left open to increase ventilation, as stated in a prison report.
What is the Duchy of Cornwall?
The Duchy of Cornwall is an estate that was established by King Edward III in 1337 to provide an income for the heir to the throne. As the current heir, Prince William also takes the title of the Duke of Cornwall and oversees the estate as well as taking a personal income from it.
© Getty ImagesAccording to the Royal Family website, the Duchy currently provides an annual income of £21 million, which “The Prince uses to support himself, his children and their families as well as his philanthropic work, which raises over £100 million annually for a variety of good causes. The Prince voluntarily pays income tax on all revenue from the estate”.
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