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Prince William is facing criticism from residents of a historic Devon estate after plans to sell the land raised concerns about the future of families who have lived and worked there for generations.
The controversy centres on the Bradninch Estate, a 3,000-acre property near Exeter that has belonged to the Duchy of Cornwall since 1337.
According to a report published by The Observer, tenants have been informed that they may need to purchase their properties or leave, prompting fears about housing security and the future of local farming businesses.
Families fear losing homes and livelihoods
The proposed sale reportedly affects nine farming tenants and a similar number of residential tenants.
Some families have lived on the estate for decades, while certain farms have been operated by successive generations of the same family.
Residents say purchasing their properties could be financially impossible, particularly for agricultural tenants whose farms may be valued at millions of pounds.
The newspaper reports that tenants received possession notices last month, leaving them facing difficult decisions about their futures.
Although some welcome the opportunity to become property owners, others fear being forced to relocate.
For farming families, the consequences could extend beyond losing their homes, potentially threatening businesses built over many years.
Prince William’s plans for the Duchy of Cornwall
The dispute comes as Prince William pursues a broader restructuring of the Duchy of Cornwall, which he inherited when King Charles became monarch in 2022.
The estate manages approximately 135,000 acres across England and generates substantial income for the Prince of Wales.
Under the proposed strategy, the Duchy intends to reduce its landholdings and concentrate its activities in five principal geographical areas.
Its leadership says the changes are intended to support a more focused approach to environmental initiatives, community development and social impact.
However, critics in Bradninch question whether those objectives adequately account for the consequences facing existing tenants.
Residents question property valuations
Another source of disagreement involves the prices reportedly being offered to tenants wishing to purchase their homes or farms.
According to The Observer, some residents believe the Duchy’s valuations exceed independent market assessments.
Tenants have reportedly been offered discounts of between 10 and 20 per cent, but several remain concerned about affordability.
Farmers have also questioned whether improvements they financed themselves have contributed to higher property valuations.
The dispute has generated wider anxiety within the community, with residents seeking assurances about their homes, livelihoods and shared local facilities.
King Charles remembered differently by tenants
The situation has also highlighted contrasting perceptions of King Charles and Prince William among some residents.
During his decades overseeing the Duchy of Cornwall, Charles reportedly maintained personal relationships with farming families, visited the estate and took an interest in local traditions.
Some tenants remember receiving correspondence and gifts from the former Prince of Wales.
By comparison, residents interviewed by The Observer expressed disappointment that William had not personally visited Bradninch to discuss the proposed sale.
One particularly angry resident contrasted the two royals, saying: “Charles was fantastic. William can go to hell.”
The remarks reflect the strength of feeling among some affected residents rather than a view shared by every tenant.
A difficult balance between reform and tradition
The controversy presents a challenge for William as he seeks to modernise the Duchy while maintaining relationships with communities historically connected to the royal estate.
His commitment to addressing homelessness has received considerable public attention, making the concerns of families facing possible displacement particularly sensitive.
Supporters of the restructuring argue that the Duchy should use its resources to achieve broader social and environmental benefits.
Affected tenants, meanwhile, want greater consideration of the personal and financial consequences of selling properties that have long provided their families with stability.
The dispute illustrates the difficulties involved when a centuries-old royal estate changes direction, especially for rural communities whose homes and livelihoods depend on decisions made by its management.
For Bradninch residents, the immediate concern remains whether they will be able to continue living and working in the place they have called home for generations.
