Prince William’s decision to sell the Bradninch Estate in Devon, a 3,000-acre holding that has formed part of the Duchy of Cornwall, has prompted anger and anxiety among some residents.
According to a report, the residents say the move threatens their homes, livelihoods and longstanding ties to the Duchy.
The report said possession orders arrived on tenants’ doormats last month, giving farmers and renters just six months to either purchase their property or vacate.
The estate dates back to 1337, when Edward III established the Duchy to provide income for his son and subsequent heirs to the throne.
The Prince of Wales intends to channel proceeds from the sale towards causes he has championed publicly, addressing homelessness and combating climate change.
However, tenants have been offered first refusal to buy their homes or farms. In addition, eight of the nine farming tenants are exploring the purchase of some or all of their holdings.
According to GB News, around two-thirds of residential tenants are considering buying, and discounts may reflect their length of tenure and investment in the property. The Duchy is also contributing towards legal and professional costs and considering how tenants’ improvements affect valuations.
Some young families say they have little prospect of raising the deposit needed to buy their homes and fear they could be left homeless.
Older residents face the prospect of leaving properties where they have spent decades, while tenant farmers risk losing both their homes and livelihoods.
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