Prince William is now a billionaire and richer than King Charles

Prince William has become wealthier than his father, King Charles III, according to newly published financial accounts that show the Prince of Wales now controls assets worth an estimated £1.2 billion through the Duchy of Cornwall.

The annual Sovereign Grant accounts reveal that William inherited the Duchy of Cornwall after becoming heir to the throne in 2022, giving him a private estate valued at approximately £1.2 billion. The figures also show that William received a private income of £21.6 million during the 2025–26 financial year and has paid more than £20 million in tax since assuming the title of Prince of Wales.

According to the published accounts, William paid £7.76 million in income and capital gains tax in 2024–25, following tax payments of £8.34 million in the previous financial year. By comparison, Charles’ personal fortune was recently estimated at £640 million in the Sunday Times Rich List, an increase of £30 million from the previous year.

The Sovereign Grant is the annual funding provided by the UK Treasury to support the official duties of the Royal Household. In recent years, both Charles and William have voluntarily disclosed details of their private tax payments as part of efforts to improve transparency around royal finances.

The latest financial disclosures also come after William announced that he would no longer personally benefit from the estimated £1.5 million annual rental income generated by the former Dartmoor Prison. Separately, it was confirmed this week that King Charles and Queen Camilla will not move into Buckingham Palace once its £370 million refurbishment programme is completed next year.

Instead, Clarence House will remain the King’s official London residence for the remainder of his reign, while Buckingham Palace will continue to serve as the monarchy’s administrative headquarters. “His Majesty retains huge affection for Buckingham Palace and a deep respect for its role in royal and public life,” a palace spokesperson said. “It will be a buzzing hive of royal activity in every other way.”

William and Catherine, Princess of Wales were recently seen attending Royal Ascot in Berkshire, where they greeted members of the public after arriving by carriage.