A viral post has ignited a heated debate by claiming that Prince William earned £2 million ($2.5 million) during a month-long leave of absence. The claim has sharply divided public opinion, with critics demanding the abolition of the monarchy while supporters argue that his income is not derived from taxpayer funds.
Public Reaction and Social Media Outrage
The controversial post on the social media platform X has fueled significant backlash. Critics argue that the royal family's wealth and privileges are out of touch with the realities faced by ordinary citizens. “Prince William took 4 weeks off, during which he received £2m, but it's ok because he went to a Food Bank for a few hours,” reads a post from the handle “@BladeoftheS”.
Others echoed this sentiment, accusing the royals of exploiting public funds.
In contrast, many defended Prince William, emphasizing that his earnings are independent of public taxation.
“He is not paid from the public purse,” one commenter clarified. Another user noted, “The Prince of Wales is funded solely by the Duchy of Cornwall.”
This narrative highlights a crucial distinction: Prince William’s income comes from a private estate, not from taxpayer money.
The Duchy of Cornwall and Prince William’s Earnings
The source of Prince William's income is the Duchy of Cornwall, a private estate established in 1337 to provide financial support to the heir apparent to the British throne. Covering 52,449 hectares, the estate includes residential and commercial properties, farms, rivers, quarries, and coastline.
The revenue generated from this vast estate funds the activities of the Duke of Cornwall, a title currently held by Prince William.
According to the Duchy of Cornwall's 2023 annual report, Prince William received a private income of nearly £6 million in the last financial year.
Although the viral post's claim oversimplifies the situation, it underscores the significant wealth tied to the title.
As the Duchy generated profits of £24.048 million in 2022-23, Prince William stands to benefit substantially, with some estimates suggesting his earnings could exceed £30 million this year, according to Fortune magazine.
