Prince William reportedly intervened after tenants criticized the planned sale of the Bradninch Estate in Devon. Following his intervention, a senior Duchy of Cornwall representative reportedly apologized to the affected residents.
Sources claimed the Prince of Wales was unhappy with reports about the mounting backlash.
Prince William’s representative reportedly apologizes to tenants amid Bradninch Estate sale dispute
According to The Observer, William contacted Matthew Morris, the Duchy of Cornwall’s rural director, after reports highlighted tenants’ concerns over the proposed sale.
Morris later visited Bradninch to hear the tenants’ concerns firsthand.
One tenant described Morris as apologetic and said he acknowledged underestimating how long it would take to manage such a large estate sale.
Morris also agreed to arrange fresh independent property valuations jointly commissioned by the tenants and the Duchy.
He also promised to review how the Duchy accounted for improvements paid for by the tenants.
The dispute centered on William’s plans to sell the 3,000-acre Bradninch Estate. The estate has belonged to the Duchy of Cornwall since the 14th century.
Some tenants claimed the properties had been overvalued, making them difficult to afford. Others feared losing their homes or livelihoods if they failed to purchase their properties.
According to earlier reporting, some tenants received possession orders giving them six months to purchase their properties or leave.
The proposed sale formed part of William’s broader strategy to redirect Duchy investments toward selected areas and initiatives.
However, residents questioned how those priorities aligned with the risk of displacing families who had lived in the area for generations.
Mary Ryan, a former GP who has lived in Bradninch for 36 years, accused William of hypocrisy for championing homelessness prevention while tenants faced the possibility of losing their homes.
The Duchy maintained that it had given tenants the first opportunity to buy their homes and farms. It gave discounts depending on their tenancy arrangements and previous investments.
A spokesperson said eight of the nine farming tenants were exploring the purchase of some or all of their farms. Around two-thirds of residential tenants were also considering buying their homes.
The Duchy also promised continued practical assistance and welfare support throughout the process.
Despite the apology and promised reassessments, tenants are still waiting to see whether the changes will help them remain in their homes and farms.
