A viral post claiming that Prince William earned £2 million ($2.5 million or Rs. 2 crore) during a month-long leave of absence has sparked divisive reactions among the public. Critics of the royal family expressed outrage and called for the abolition of monarchy on social media platform X, while others defended Prince William, noting that his salary does not come from British taxpayers.
The post, attributed to the X handle “@BladeoftheS,” stated, “Prince William took 4 weeks off, during which he received £2m, but it’s ok because he went to a Food Bank for a few hours.” It sparked controversy, with comments reflecting both support and skepticism regarding the claim and its implications.
Prince William took 4 weeks off, during which he received £2m, but its ok because he went to a Food Bank for a few hours.
Food Banks that wouldn’t exist if we didn’t have billionaires who steal all the money. pic.twitter.com/qjNrW5WdFS
— BladeoftheSun (@BladeoftheS) June 22, 2024
“He is not paid from the public purse,” one commenter emphasized, challenging the assertion that taxpayer money funded his leave. Another X user clarified, “He might well have got £2m, but if you are suggesting it was from the taxpayers, it WASN’T. The Prince of Wales is funded solely by the Duchy of Cornwall.”
Critics countered these defenses by criticizing the royal family’s privilege, with one person expressing disgust at their perceived displays of wealth.
Regarding Prince William’s income, it is intricately tied to the Duchy of Cornwall, a private estate established in 1337 to provide income for the heir apparent to the throne of England. The Duchy includes a diverse portfolio of assets like properties, farms, and commercial ventures, generating substantial revenue.
As per the Duchy of Cornwall estate’s 2023 annual report, Prince William received approximately £6 million as private income in the last financial year. This income is derived from the profits generated by the Duchy, which totaled £24.048 million in 2022-23. Prince William, as the current Duke of Cornwall following the death of Queen Elizabeth II, is entitled to this income.
Looking ahead, it is projected that Prince William could earn over £30 million this year, as reported by Fortune magazine.