Prince William Steps Up to Rebuild Public Trust After Tough Criticism

Prince William’s facing some heat and responding with real change, rolling out big reforms to the Duchy of Cornwall to show he’s serious about modernizing the monarchy and winning back public support. After a report called out the Duchy for charging millions in rent to NHS hospitals, prisons, and charities, William’s moving fast to fix things and lead by example.

Taking Responsibility as Duke of Cornwall

As the Duke of Cornwall, William inherited a massive private estate from King Charles III. But when people started talking about sky-high rents and rough living conditions for tenants, he knew he had to act.

Kensington Palace shared that William’s now cutting rental fees for many tenants and offering up to 50% discounts for those who get on board with a new, community-focused approach.

“We’re taking a step back to think about how we can better support our people and communities,” said Will Bax, the estate’s new secretary. “It’s about helping everyone thrive.”

Facing the Criticism Head-On

The changes come after a joint investigation by Channel 4 Dispatches and The Sunday Times exposed how the royal estates were making big money from public services like hospitals.

It was a tough look at the gap between the monarchy’s wealth and the struggles of some renters, sparking a lot of public frustration and calls for the royals to be more accountable.

“We can’t ignore the media spotlight,” Bax said, noting that William sees the criticism as a chance to make real changes that matter.

A New Way Forward

William’s pushing to run the Duchy in a way that feels modern and cares about people. The estate’s funds still support the charitable work and official duties of William, Kate, and their kids—George, Charlotte, and Louis—but now the focus is more on doing good than just making money.

“We want to operate in a way that’s open and puts people first,” Bax said.

This isn’t just about putting out fires—it’s William showing he wants the monarchy to line up with what people expect today: fairness and responsibility.

Also Read: Prince Harry Finds Rare Common Ground with Prince William on Climate Action

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