In a recent revelation, Prince William has committed to transforming his £1.3 billion Duchy of Cornwall estate, which has been under scrutiny for its substandard rental properties.
An alarming investigation revealed that nearly one in seven of these rental homes falls below the minimum legal standards for energy efficiency, with many tenants facing issues such as black mold and inadequate heating.
The findings stem from a joint investigation by a Sunday newspaper and Channel 4’s Dispatches, which examined over 5,000 properties owned by the Duchy.
It turns out that up to 14% of these homes carry F- or G-rated Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs), failing to meet the legal requirement established in 2020 that mandates all rental properties achieve at least an E rating unless exempted.
This has raised eyebrows, especially given the royal family’s wealth and influence.
Tenants living in these properties have expressed their frustration, citing ongoing problems with dampness and mold.
One tenant highlighted the stark contrast between the royal family’s public image and the reality faced by those living in subpar conditions.
With Buckingham Palace undergoing a massive £369 million renovation funded by the government, many renters feel that their needs are being overlooked.
Among those affected is Claire Williams, who shared her struggles with a property near Exeter, Devon.
Despite paying £200 a month for oil heating, she finds herself battling persistent black mold and poorly insulated walls.
“I’ve been complaining about it for 21 years,” she lamented, emphasizing a lack of consideration from the Duchy regarding tenant welfare.
Another anonymous tenant echoed similar sentiments, revealing that he spends hundreds each month on coal and wood due to the absence of central heating.
He described his home as “freezing” and noted that mold was creeping onto his belongings.
“You don’t want to say anything against your landlord for fear of eviction,” he admitted, highlighting the precarious situation many renters find themselves in.
The Duchy of Cornwall, with a history spanning over 700 years, oversees more than 600 rental properties.
Following the death of Queen Elizabeth II, Prince William inherited the estate from King Charles, who earned £24 million from it last year.
This raises questions about the disparity between royal wealth and the living conditions of their tenants.
Jonathan Bean, a campaigner against fuel poverty, criticized the Duchy’s management, calling it “a disgrace” that a royal estate appears to operate like a rogue landlord.
With fines of up to £5,000 per property for breaching Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards, the pressure is mounting for Prince William to take action.
Despite the challenges, a spokesperson for the Duchy assured that Prince William is committed to significant improvements.
They mentioned plans for substantial investments aimed at achieving net-zero emissions by 2032 and enhancing mental health support for tenants.
However, many remain skeptical about the sincerity of these promises.
The Duchy generates millions for the royal family, with estimates suggesting that King Charles is worth around £610 million.
Both he and Prince William pay income tax on their earnings from the estate, which they claim funds various public and charitable initiatives.
Yet, the juxtaposition of their wealth against the struggles of their tenants raises ethical questions.
As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how quickly and effectively Prince William will address the pressing issues faced by his tenants.
Many are hopeful for change but are also wary of the royal family’s track record in managing their properties.
The call for action is loud and clear: tenants deserve better, and the Duchy must step up to meet those expectations.
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