Prince William has embraced a modern approach to managing the Duchy of Cornwall, utilizing WhatsApp as his primary communication tool. This revelation comes from Alastair Martin, the outgoing secretary for the duchy and keeper of the records, who shared insights into the Prince’s management style in a recent interview with The Times of London.
William, who became the custodian of the Duchy of Cornwall in September 2022 following his father King Charles’s ascension to the throne, has taken his responsibilities seriously. Martin recalled the moment he welcomed William to his new role, stating, “The day after her late Majesty died, I rang Prince William to say, ‘Welcome to your duchy, sir.’” Martin had previously worked closely with William for nearly a decade, preparing him for his future responsibilities as heir to the throne.
During their initial conversation, William provided Martin with his mobile number, indicating his preference for quick and direct communication. “If you want me, just get me, just message me,” he said. This approach has led to a significant volume of messages, especially on weekends, with Martin noting that he often sends multiple WhatsApp messages to keep the Prince informed about various matters. “There will be weekends when my WhatsApp messages will be in double figures, and I will be very responsive,” Martin explained. “If something has gone well or badly, I will want to tell my boss, and he’ll be straight back.”
As the Duke of Cornwall, William receives an annual income from the estate’s rented land. While his father, Charles, was transparent about the tax sums he voluntarily paid, William has chosen not to disclose specific figures. Kensington Palace confirmed that William pays taxes at the standard U.K. rate but did not provide details on the amount.
The Royal Report for 2024 revealed that William’s total income from the Duchy amounted to approximately $30.4 million. The report describes the Duchy as a private estate that provides income to the Duke of Cornwall and his family, funding their official, charitable, and private activities. It emphasizes the estate’s commitment to sustainability and community benefit, ensuring it can be passed on with pride to future generations.
William’s family life is also a significant aspect of his role. He is married to Princess Kate Middleton, and together they have three children: Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis. Recently, the family has faced challenges, as both Kate and Charles have been diagnosed with undisclosed forms of cancer.
The management style of Prince William marks a generational shift in the operation of the Duchy. Alastair Martin, who has worked under both King Charles and Prince William, noted the differences in their communication methods. While King Charles preferred to discuss matters over the phone, William’s reliance on WhatsApp reflects a more contemporary approach. Martin stated, “Sustainability is a passion that they both share, but there are some differences. His Royal Highness, the 24th duke, would telephone me. His Royal Highness, the 25th duke, will WhatsApp me.”
The financial performance of the Duchy has also been a topic of discussion. Recent accounts revealed that the Duchy generated profits of £23.6 million for the 2023-2024 financial year, a slight decrease from £24 million the previous year. William received approximately £6 million from the Duchy during his first year in the role, as he took over midway through the financial year following the death of Queen Elizabeth II.
Critics have raised concerns about the royal family’s financial arrangements, particularly in light of the ongoing cost-of-living crisis. Graham Smith, chief executive of the campaign group Republic, expressed frustration over the substantial income received by both King Charles and Prince William. He argued that the profits from the Duchies should be redirected to public services and local communities rather than enriching the royal family.
Despite the challenges, William remains committed to his role as Duke of Cornwall. He has previously expressed his intentions to maintain the estate’s operations in line with his father’s practices, stating in a 2019 documentary, “I’ve started to think about how I will inherit the Duchy one day. Well, rest assured I’m not going to rock the boat; I’ll do much the same as what my father’s doing.”
As Prince William continues to navigate his responsibilities, his use of WhatsApp signifies a shift towards a more modern and accessible form of leadership. This approach not only reflects his personal style but also aligns with the changing expectations of royal duties in the 21st century.
Source: The Times of London, HELLO!
