Prince William to stop benefiting from abandoned prison rent
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The Prince of Wales has decided to forgo the £1.5 million annual rent from Dartmoor Prison, directing the funds towards local community regeneration from 2026-27.
The controversial rent originates from a 25-year deal signed by the Duchy of Cornwall in 2022, leasing the abandoned prison to the Ministry of Justice.
Dartmoor Prison, a category C facility, has been empty since July 2024 due to high levels of radon gas detected in prisoners’ accommodation.
A community-led regeneration fund will be launched next year to provide social, economic, and environmental benefits to Princetown, the rural community adjacent to the prison.
The decision coincides with the Prince of Wales revealing his £7.76 million tax bill for 2024-25 for the first time, aiming for greater transparency regarding his Duchy of Cornwall income.
