Republican protesters gathered in London this week, demanding an end to King Charles III’s reign after a Guardian expose revealed how assets of thousands of people in north-west England have been used to upgrade the King’s controversial Duchy of Lancaster estate.
According to a report by GB News, the estate generates millions in profit for King Charles, with £60 million collected over the last 10 years alone.
Assets known as bona vacantia, owned by people who died without a will or known next of kin, are collected by the duchy. After deducting costs, bona vacantia revenues are donated to charities.
However, according to the Guardian, internal duchy documents show funds are also being used to finance renovations of duchy properties that the King rents out for profit. The leaked 2020 duchy policy gave officials license to use bona vacantia funds on the estate’s profit-generating portfolio, acknowledging this could provide an “incidental” benefit to the privy purse.
Anti-monarchists have reacted with outrage, calling for an end to Charles’ reign. Graham Smith, chief executive of Republic, a campaign group advocating abolishment of the monarchy in favor of a democratic republic, condemned the revelations.
“The duchy is a feudal hangover that needs to be reformed. While ordinary people struggle with the cost of living crisis, King Charles is using their assets to fund his lavish lifestyle,” said Smith.
Protesters gathered outside Buckingham Palace, chanting ‘Not My King’ and holding signs reading ‘Dissolve the Monarchy.’ Several burned effigies of Charles.
“King Charles is completely unaccountable yet helps himself to assets that should go to the public. This injustice cannot continue,” said one protester.
Another blasted the monarch for living a life of luxury while citizens suffer economic hardship. “He couldn’t care less about ordinary people struggling to pay their bills. The duchy documents expose his greed and entitlement. He has no right to be king,” she said.
The demonstration drew hundreds of anti-monarchists. Thousands more vented outrage on social media, tweeting #AbolishTheMonarchy. A petition calling for abolition of the monarchy gained over 100,000 signatures within hours.
“King Charles claims to care about his subjects, but he’s happy to profit from dead people’s assets. The monarchy is built on injustice and inequality. It’s time for radical change,” read the petition.
Properties found to benefit from the funds include townhouses, holiday cottages, rural homes, agricultural buildings, a former petrol station and barns.
Charles inherited management of the duchy and title Duke of Lancaster at birth. He uses its income to fund private and official expenditure not met by taxpayers.
The duchy owns 53,000 hectares of land across England and Wales. Its urban portfolio includes commercial properties in London, Liverpool, Manchester, and other major cities.
Critics argue the monarch should not profit from an estate supposedly held in trust for the nation. Republic advocates stripping the royals of the duchy and crown estate to help fund public services and replace them with an elected head of state.
“King Charles has shown he’s only interested in feathering his own nest. The duchy revelations have strengthened the case for abolishing this rotten institution,” said Smith.
Buckingham Palace did not respond to the Guardian’s revelations or the protests. But Charles faces growing calls to reform the duchy and justify his role as its beneficiary.
With anti-monarchist sentiment rising, his first months as monarch have been marred by controversy. An uneasy public mood and protests threaten to cast a shadow over his coronation in May.
This is typical of those just waiting to jump on the anti monarchy band wagon. One report, one person’s interpretation, one person’s opinion and all shout for the end to the King’s reign. Pathetic and disgraceful! Do you always take everything you read in a newspaper as the absolute truth? Where is the balance? There would be criticism if properties were left to rot. And what about the hundreds of people helped by the King’s own charities?