Duchy of Cornwall accused of 'double standards' with 'contradicting' projects

Lewis Henderson

By Lewis Henderson


Published: 28/03/2026

- 15:01

Prince William has come under criticism for the contrast in the developments

The Duchy of Cornwall has been accused of "double standards" over a pair of projects being undertaken, which were described as a "contradiction".

Prince William inherited the estate of the duchy in 2022 and showcased work being done over the weekend.


Taking to social media, the Prince of Wales posted footage of work by the duchy to "protect and restore landscapes so nature, wildlife and communities can thrive for generations to come".

Alongside the video, a caption read: "Celebrating International Day of Forests by shining a light on one of the UK's rarest habitats, temperate rainforests."

Prince William

The duchy has been accused of 'double standards'

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Footage showed individuals from the duchy demonstrating the work they are doing for forests, which was lapped up by royal fans as an "important message".

However, William has been criticised after planning permission was granted for developments on hundreds of acres of farmland in Faversham, Kent.

Resident in the area, Sarah Moakes, described the duchy's work as a "contradiction".

She told GB News: "Double standards are a bit of an understatement.

Duchy of CornwallPrince William inherited the Duchy of Cornwall when he became Prince of Wales | PA

"Whether it's a deliberate attempt to conceal or to mask, they are savings of the land, while simultaneously building on it."

The duchy's developments in Faversham were met with 467 objections before being granted by Swale Borough Council.

Protesters gathered on Faversham High Street in February, demanding that the plans be dropped.

Individuals carried banners that read: "Hedgehogs Not Houses" and "Feed Your People, Not Your Pockets!"

Prince William

Individuals gathered to protest against the duchy's plans in February

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Commenting on the proposals being granted, Ms Moakes said: "The decision wasn't much of a shock. Given the high profile of the applicant, who is going to deny a member of the Royal Family? So the plans were very much going to go ahead.

"It's going to have an impact on local people because we use these green spaces. Many people won't be able to walk their dogs in these areas, and it's the disruption it will cause, too."

Ms Moakes explained that "most people haven't been consulted [or provided with] any planning documents", telling the People's Channel that it has gone "way over their heads".

The estate director for the Duchy, Ben Murphy, said developers have spent six years working with people in the area.

Prince William

The estate director for the duchy said developers have spent six years working with people in the area

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He said: "We understand how important quality green spaces are to the community and are committed to preserving settlement gaps between Boughton, Dunkirk and Faversham to maintain the area's rural character.

"Half of the neighbourhood will be dedicated to green space, featuring parks, meadows, woodlands, and allotments.

"If approved, South East Faversham will provide much-needed homes, including affordable housing for vulnerable families in urgent need."