Prince William is quietly changing what it means to be heir to the throne and those who work with him say he’s not afraid to do things differently. Following King Charles’ accession in 2022, the Prince of Wales inherited the Duchy of Cornwall, a vast estate spanning over 130,000 acres across more than 20 counties in England and Wales. Now worth more than £800 million, the duchy provides income for the heir to the throne but under Prince William’s leadership, it is becoming far more than just a source of funds.The 42-year-old royal is reportedly a demanding leader who visits parts of the duchy every four to six weeks.Will Bax, the duchy’s secretary, called William “pretty demanding,” but in a good way.Speaking to The Telegraph, he said that the Prince is “a man on a mission.” “He’s easy to follow because he’s got great conviction and personality, and he really wears his heart on his sleeve in terms of social interest and his desire to have a positive impact in the world.” Estate director Ben Murphy also called William’s leadership “energising”, and compared it to his father’s, “healthy impatience, as his father did,” which “puts the wind in our sails,” People Prince William sees the Duchy as more than just a royal portfolio. “I see the Duchy as an extension of the work we do with the Royal Foundation,” he told the newspaper. “I see it as a branch of my philanthropy.”He further added that there’s so much good that can be done in the rural world, “I see it as another arm to the work that I want to do, which is being a positive force for good.” Key priorities under his stewardship included tackling homelessness, supporting mental health among farmers, and boosting sustainability across rural communities. The duchy has partnered with local groups on housing initiatives and mental health outreach, particularly for those working in agriculture who often face isolation. “I’m trying to make sure I’m prioritizing stuff that’s going to make people’s lives, living in those areas, better. This is what we’re going to do to make people’s lives in Cornwall better,” William said. “That, I feel as Duke of Cornwall, is something I should be doing. It’s about responsibility, it’s about leadership and doing what’s right on the social issues of our time.” Even family getaways are laced with purpose. During visits to the Isles of Scilly with Kate and their children — Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis — the Prince often chats with locals about their needs. These conversations have already led to drastic results, including improved healthcare facilities, new housing for key workers, and steps towards more sustainable tourism.Bax said, “He’s asking us to change and evolve in a way to deliver positive impact at scale and at pace.”The duchy’s most recent Integrated Annual Report, released in July, reported a surplus of £23.9 million for the 2023–24 financial year, Prince William’s first full year as Duke of Cornwall.
