Prince William has faced some backlash (Image: Matthew Horwood/Getty Images)

Prince William has moved to address growing discontent among tenants on the Duchy of Cornwall’s Bradninch estate after plans to sell part of the land sparked concern among farming and residential families in Devon. The Prince of Wales is understood to have discussed the situation with the duchy’s rural director, Matthew Morris, following criticism of the decision to sell the estate to help fund projects tackling homelessness and the climate crisis.

The proposed sale has unsettled some of the people living and working on the 3,000-acre estate. Although tenants have been offered the opportunity to purchase their farms and homes, not everyone can afford to take up the offer, leaving some worried about their future.

According to reports, Morris visited Bradninch last week to meet tenants and offer apologies to those who had been upset by the changes. William is also understood to have spoken with him about how best to respond to their concerns.

Tenants Offered First Refusal to Buy Their Homes and Farms

The Prince of Wales visits the estate often (Image: Mathieu Willcocks/WPA Pool/Getty Images)

The Duchy of Cornwall has insisted that tenants are being given the first opportunity to purchase the properties they currently occupy, with discounts available depending on their circumstances.

A spokesperson for the duchy told the Daily Express:

“All tenants are being offered first refusal to purchase their homes and farms, often with discounts that reflect both the length of tenure and type of tenancy they have and the investment they have made in the property. Through ongoing discussions with tenants, eight out of nine farming tenants are actively exploring the purchase of some or all of their farm, while around two thirds of residential tenants are considering the same option.”

The spokesperson acknowledged that the decisions involved were deeply personal and said individual support was being provided throughout the process.

“We recognise that these are important and deeply personal decisions. Every tenant is being supported through the process on an individual basis, with access to practical guidance from the estate team, independent welfare and mental health support services and ongoing discussions about what is right for their circumstances. These services have been available for many years and remain available throughout this process.”

The duchy also stressed that the changes formed part of a wider, long-term investment strategy.

“These changes are part of a long-term strategy to direct future Duchy of Cornwall investment where it can deliver the greatest long-term benefit for communities, farming, nature and the local economy. We will continue to support tenants with care, respect and fairness, whatever decision they ultimately make.”

Concerns Over Families Unable to Afford Their Properties

Despite the offers, some tenants remain unhappy with the plans. A report by The Observer highlighted concerns that not every family living on the estate has the financial means to buy their home.

One tenant reportedly questioned the decision to raise money for William’s charitable and environmental priorities by selling land in a way that could cause distress to rural families and put their homes at risk.

The duchy has said it is making a significant contribution towards legal and professional costs associated with property purchases where appropriate. It is also following specialist advice as the process moves forward.

Support for tenants extends beyond practical and financial guidance. The duchy is continuing to provide farming and rural tenants with access to wellbeing assistance, including free, confidential specialist mental health services for people working in agriculture.

William’s Wider Plans for the Duchy of Cornwall

William inherited the Duchy of Cornwall when his father, King Charles, became monarch. The Prince of Wales is now pursuing a strategy that involves selling a fifth of the duchy’s land and directing the proceeds towards other priorities.

The duchy reportedly plans to invest more than £500 million over the next decade across several areas, including housing, local economies, renewable energy, farming resilience, nature recovery and landscape restoration.

The ambition is to direct future investment towards projects expected to deliver lasting benefits for communities and the environment. However, the Bradninch controversy has highlighted the difficult questions surrounding how such changes affect the people already living and working on duchy land.

While the duchy maintains that tenants are being treated with care and fairness, concerns remain over whether the purchase arrangements will be affordable for everyone affected.

Kensington Palace has yet to respond to the Daily Express‘ request for comment.