The British royal family's finances have long been a subject of intense scrutiny and debate. A new documentary has now ignited significant controversy by shining a light on the millions of pounds that King Charles and Prince William receive from the Duchy of Lancaster and Duchy of Cornwall – estates that date back to medieval times. The revelations have sparked a wider discussion about the role of the monarchy in the 21st century and whether the royals should be profiting from public resources.

Exposing the Royals' Secret Millions

The Duchy Dilemma: Investigating the Royals' Private Estates

The Duchy of Lancaster and Duchy of Cornwall are centuries-old estates that exist to raise money for the sovereign and heir to the throne. In the last financial year, King Charles received £27.4 million from the Duchy of Lancaster, while Prince William received £23.6 million from the Duchy of Cornwall. These funds are considered the royals' "private income" and are in addition to the millions they receive annually from British taxpayers.However, the investigative program "Dispatches" has uncovered that the royals' private estates are making significant sums from public institutions and resources. The documentary claims that the NHS, British Armed Forces, and various charities are being charged millions for the use of properties and land on the estates. This revelation has sparked outrage, with many questioning whether the monarchy should be profiting from public services and taxpayer-funded organizations.

Questionable Practices: Concerns Over Tenant Welfare and Environmental Impact

The program's investigations have also raised concerns about the treatment of tenants on the royals' estates. Revelations that some Duchy of Cornwall tenants are living in homes with mold and failing to meet minimum energy efficiency standards have dealt a blow to Prince William's public image as a champion of environmental causes and homelessness initiatives.These findings have prompted calls for the royals to take a more active role in addressing the issues on their estates. Critics argue that the royals should be using their vast resources to improve the living conditions of their tenants and ensure that their properties meet modern environmental standards, rather than prioritizing commercial interests.

Tax Loopholes and Exemptions: The Royals' Financial Privileges

The documentary also sheds light on the tax advantages enjoyed by the Duchies. Unlike regular British companies, the Duchies are exempt from paying corporation tax, capital gains tax, and inheritance tax on their profits. This has led to accusations of unfair treatment and a lack of transparency in the royals' financial affairs.Baroness Margaret Hodge, a prominent figure in the investigation, argues that the Duchies should be paying corporation tax on their profits, just like any other British company. The fact that the royals are able to avoid these taxes has fueled the debate over the monarchy's role in modern society and whether they should be subject to the same financial obligations as the general public.

Challenging the Status Quo: Calls for Reforms and Accountability

The revelations from the "Dispatches" documentary have sparked a wider conversation about the future of the British monarchy and the role of the royals in the 21st century. Prominent figures, including former BBC Royal Correspondent Peter Hunt, have called for significant reforms, such as Prince William accepting a fixed income in exchange for giving up his vast Duchy of Cornwall estate.The mayor of Liverpool City, Steve Rotheram, has also expressed concerns about the Duchy of Lancaster's ownership of the shores of the River Mersey and the royals' ability to profit from public resources. He argues that if the public is directly benefiting from projects like the proposed tidal project in the Mersey estuary, the royals should not be able to levy additional charges.These calls for reform and accountability reflect a growing sentiment that the British public deserves greater transparency and fairness when it comes to the royals' financial dealings. As the monarchy faces increasing scrutiny, the future of the institution and its relationship with the people it serves may be at a critical juncture.