The Prince of Wales became the 24th Duke of Cornwall on The Queen’s accession to the throne in 1952. At the age of 21, in 1969, he became entitled to the full income of the Duchy and took over its management. He is the longest serving Duke.
The Duke on Dartmoor
Throughout his years of stewardship, The Duke has been actively involved in running the Duchy. His philosophy is to nurture and improve the estate in order to pass it on to the next generation in a stronger condition.
His Royal Highness has said of his long-term approach: "Across all of our estates, and in all of our business operations, I will continue to try to ensure that the Duchy makes a real and lasting contribution to the communities in which we live and work."
The Duke has no access to the Duchy's capital value and he pays income tax on the annual revenue, which is used to fund the public, charitable and private activities of The Duke and Duchess of Cornwall, The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and The Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
The family makes regular visits to the Duchy of Cornwall, both in private and in public, providing support to local organisations, businesses and communities.
Through his hands-on approach to the estate's management, The Duke has in time proved that environmental and agricultural best practice are compatible with a sound financial return.
Learn more about The Prince of Wales and his work here.
The Duchy of Cornwall is a private estate established by Edward III in 1337 to provide independence to his son and heir, Prince Edward.
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The Duchess of Cornwall supports her husband, The Prince of Wales, in carrying out his work and duties as Heir to The Throne and Duke of Cornwall.
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The Duchy was created in 1337 by Edward III for his son and heir, Prince Edward. A charter ruled that each future Duke of Cornwall would be the eldest surviving son of the Monarch and the heir to the throne.
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