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23 February 2024 / Michael L Nash
Issue: 8060 / Categories: Features , Constitutional law
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Duchy of Lancaster: Of princes, palatinates & privileges

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Pictured: Lancaster Castle gatehouse, with John of Gaunt statue

Michael L Nash examines the hereditary revenues of King Charles III, Duke of Lancaster

In his declaration upon his accession, on 10 September 2022, King Charles III said, inter alia: ‘I take this opportunity to confirm my willingness and intention to continue the tradition of surrendering the hereditary revenues, including the Crown Estate, to My Government for the benefit of all, in return for the Sovereign Grant, which supports my official duties as Head of State and Head of Nation.’

This statement may be closely analysed in the light of the now expected ripostes from certain sections of the press and media, regarding the actual use of the hereditary revenues, apart from the Sovereign Grant (which replaced the Civil List of 1760), in the Sovereign Grant Act 2011. The Guardian, for example, published a report entitled ‘King’s estate to transfer £100m into ethical funds after bona vacantia revelations’ (November 2023). It followed that newspaper’s investigation into the use

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