How Much Richer Is Prince William Than Father King Charles? New Report Says Nearly Twice As Much

Britain’s Prince William is now wealthier than his father, King Charles III, according to newly released royal financial accounts that also disclose the Prince of Wales’ tax payments for the first time.

The financial documents, published alongside the latest Sovereign Grant accounts and annual reports for the Duchy of Cornwall and the Duchy of Lancaster, show that the Duchy of Cornwall—the private estate inherited by William in 2022—is now valued at approximately £1.2 billion.

By comparison, King Charles’ personal fortune is estimated at around £640 million, making Prince William the wealthier of the two.

£21.6 Million Annual Income

The accounts reveal that Prince William received £21.6 million in private income from the Duchy of Cornwall during the 2025-26 financial year.

The estate serves as the primary source of income for the heir to the British throne and is separate from the taxpayer-funded Sovereign Grant used for official royal duties.

Prince William automatically became the 25th Duke of Cornwall after King Charles ascended the throne in 2022.

The Duchy spans around 51,800 hectares across 19 counties in England, comprising farms, forests, residential and commercial properties, and other assets that generate income for the heir apparent.

Tax Payments Disclosed

For the first time, the Prince of Wales’ tax payments have been made public as part of efforts to improve transparency within the Royal Family.

According to the accounts, Prince William voluntarily paid £7.76 million in income and capital gains tax during the 2024-25 financial year, following a payment of £8.34 million in 2023-24.

Since becoming Prince of Wales in 2022, his cumulative tax payments have exceeded £20 million, the documents show.

Dartmoor Prison Income To Be Redirected

The accounts also reveal that Prince William has decided not to personally benefit from approximately £1.5 million in annual rental income generated by the former Dartmoor Prison site.

Instead, the money will be directed towards a community-led regeneration fund for Princetown in Devon beginning in the 2026-27 financial year.

The prison, situated on Duchy-owned land, has remained closed since July 2024 after elevated levels of naturally occurring radon gas were detected in prisoner accommodation.

Larger Royal Household

The disclosures also show that staffing at Kensington Palace has increased.

Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales, now employ 74 staff, up from 68 a year earlier. Women account for 73% of the workforce, while nearly 15% of employees come from ethnic minority backgrounds, according to the annual report.