In an unprecedented move, Prince William, the current Prince of Wales, has reportedly informed his father, King Charles III, that he will need to pay rent to stay in his cherished Welsh holiday home, Llwynywermod. This decision has reportedly left the King feeling both "miffed" and "disappointed."
Llwynywermod, a property located on the edge of the Bannau Brycheiniog, the official new name for the Brecon Beacons, was purchased by the Duchy of Cornwall estate on behalf of Charles in 2007 for £1.2 million. The King had spent four decades searching for the perfect property, and upon finding it, he invested time and resources into restoring it with the help of architect Craig Hamilton.
However, the property was transferred to Prince William following the death of Queen Elizabeth II last year. This transition occurred as Charles ascended to the throne, and William assumed the title of the Prince of Wales.
As the heir to the British throne, William is entitled to any surplus of the annual profit generated by the Duchy's property, land, or financial investments. This inheritance has resulted in an annual income of £23 million for the Prince.
The King's fondness for Llwynywermod is well-known. He had personally chosen roses, jasmine, and honeysuckle for the gardens, and even had six maple trees, which lined the aisle at Kate and William's 2011 wedding in Westminster Abbey, replanted in the cottage's grounds.
However, the Prince's decision to rent out the cottage means that the King will have to pay as a guest to stay in the holiday home and move his personal belongings out of the property. The Mail reports that the Welsh property will be available to hire as a holiday home from September.
A Royal source reportedly told the Mail On Sunday: "The King was quite miffed but that was the deal. It means he can continue to stay there but he will pay rent to the Duchy and the rest of the time it will be rented out." The King has agreed to pay for the topiary upkeep as he doesn't want to see all the good work in the grounds go to waste.
Palace sources told the newspaper that William and Kate want to support the tourist economy by renting cottages and rooms. The restored building, which is surrounded by 192 acres of countryside, was originally owned by William Williams in the 13th or 14th century, who was related to Anne Boleyn, the second wife of King Henry VIII.
This move by Prince William is seen as a significant departure from royal norms and has sparked a flurry of discussions about the changing dynamics within the royal family. As the monarchy continues to evolve, it remains to be seen how these changes will impact the relationship between the King and the Prince of Wales.
