Prince William apologises after backlash over 3,000-acre Bradninch Estate sale; tenants demand fair valuations, King Charles disappointed as Duchy of Cornwall faces capital gains tax questions

Prince William has reportedly apologised to tenants of the Bradninch Estate in Devon following a backlash over his decision to sell the 3,000-acre property, which forms part of the Duchy of Cornwall. The Prince of Wales is said to have been unhappy with reports highlighting residents' concerns about the proposed sale, with some tenants fearing they could lose their homes and livelihoods.According to a report by The Observer, William contacted the Duchy's rural director, Matthew Morris, last Sunday to discuss the growing controversy. Morris subsequently visited the estate on Thursday and met with tenants to address their concerns.During the meeting, the royal representative reportedly apologised for underestimating the time required to complete the land disposal process. He also agreed to arrange fresh independent valuations of the farms and residential properties, with the assessments to be jointly commissioned by the tenants and the Duchy.One tenant described Morris as being "all apologetic", while another reportedly welcomed the conciliatory approach but cautioned that "the proof will be in the pudding".Why Prince William's property sale has sparked backlashThe apology follows growing concerns among residents after the Duchy began the process of selling the Bradninch Estate, a 1,215-hectare (3,000-acre) property in Devon. The estate has been part of the Duchy of Cornwall since the 14th century and represents approximately one-fifth of the land portfolio William inherited from his father, King Charles III, in September 2022.The decision to sell the estate is part of William's wider plan to concentrate future Duchy investment on five geographical heartlands: the Isles of Scilly, Cornwall, Dartmoor, Bath and Kennington in south London.However, the proposed sale has caused considerable anxiety among farming and residential tenants. Last month, possession orders reportedly gave some residents just six months to either purchase their properties or leave.While tenants have been offered the opportunity to buy their homes and farms, some say the valuations are too high and do not adequately account for the money they have invested in improving the properties over the years. Others have raised concerns about their ability to afford the purchases.The controversy has also drawn criticism from Mary Ryan, a former GP who has lived in Bradninch for 36 years and is supporting affected tenants. She has accused William of hypocrisy, arguing that his commitment to tackling homelessness and mental health issues could come at the expense of rural families facing uncertainty over their own homes.Kensington Palace responds to tenants' concernsFollowing the backlash, a Kensington Palace spokesperson told The Observer that the concerns surrounding the sale were being taken seriously and that tenants were receiving individual support."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," the spokesperson said.The statement also explained that the sale was part of a long-term strategy to direct future Duchy of Cornwall investment towards areas where it could deliver greater benefits for communities, farming, nature and the local economy."We will continue to support tenants with care, respect and fairness, whatever decision they ultimately make," the spokesperson added.The Duchy has also said that tenants are being offered the first opportunity to purchase their homes and farms, with discounts taking into account factors such as the length of their tenancy, the type of agreement and investments made in the properties.According to the Duchy, eight out of nine farming tenants are actively exploring the purchase of some or all of their farms, while around two-thirds of residential tenants are considering buying their homes.Questions raised over tax implications of the saleThe proposed disposal has also prompted questions about whether the Duke of Cornwall should pay capital gains tax on the proceeds.A Duchy spokesperson has maintained that the Duke is exempt because proceeds from the disposal of capital assets are required by law to be reinvested and are not available for his personal use.However, tax expert Dan Neidle has challenged that interpretation, arguing that there is no legal basis for such an exemption. He has suggested that if HM Revenue and Customs determines that capital gains tax is payable, the Duke would be required to pay it.The controversy has also reportedly disappointed King Charles, who regularly visited the Bradninch Estate when he was Prince of Wales and regarded it as an example of the rural communities that form the backbone of Britain.For now, the promise of fresh independent valuations has offered some reassurance to tenants. However, residents are still waiting to see whether the Duchy's revised approach will address their concerns over affordability, property improvements and their future on the estate.You use AI every day. Now get your AI Quotient. Take the AIQ test.