Property
The duchy owns 133,658 acres of land (around 54,090 hectares) over 23 counties, including farming, residential, and commercial properties, as well as an investment portfolio. In modern times, the considerable income from the duchy has been the primary source of income for the Prince of Wales, both as to personal funds and public and charitable work.
The duchy was created with the express purpose of providing income to the heir apparent to the throne; thus, it traditionally goes to the eldest son of the reigning monarch. Although the duke owns the income from the estate, he does not own the estate outright and does not have the right to sell capital assets for his own benefit.
In 2010, the duchy generated £17.1 million in income. As the Duke of Cornwall is not a subject of the Queen he is not legally required to pay income tax . However, since 1993 Prince Charles has voluntarily agreed to pay income tax at the normal rates (see: Finances of the British Royal Family). Approximately half of this income was spent on public and charitable works.
Since the passing into law of the Sovereign Grant Act 2011, revenues of the Duchy of Cornwall will pass to the heir to the throne, regardless of whether that heir is the Duke of Cornwall. In the event that the heir is a minor, 10% of the revenues will pass to the heir, with the balance passing to the Crown.
Read more about this topic: Duchy Of Cornwall
Famous quotes containing the word property:
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—June Jordan (b. 1939)
“Open the doors of opportunity to talent and virtue and they will do themselves justice, and property will not be in bad hands.”
—Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803–1882)
“Man was born rich, or inevitably grows rich by the use of his faculties; by the union of thought with nature. Property is an intellectual proposition.”
—Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803–1882)