Latest news with #DuchyofCornwall
Yahoo
5 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Prince William's duchy removes abandoned boats
Prince William's estate, the Duchy of Cornwall, has stepped in to remove abandoned boats from a south Devon river. It follows concerns from local residents about pollution and navigational hazards from six boats on the River Avon, near Aveton Gifford. The duchy, which owns the riverbed between Aveton Gifford and Bigbury, said the clean-up operation involved specialist contractors to remove the unseaworthy boats. The vessels were then transported to a recycling and processing facility in Southampton. Local residents had raised alarms about abandoned boats in the estuary, one of which was almost completely submerged at high tide. There were fears that fuel and oil left on board could leak into the water, threatening the delicate estuarine ecosystem. More news stories for Devon Listen to the latest news for Devon Matthew Morris, rural director of the Duchy of Cornwall, said: "We are pleased to be able to remove the abandoned vessels from the River Avon. "Our marine estuary environments provide important habitats for a range of species and are enjoyed as a place of recreation by both locals and visitors alike." He said the issue of abandoned vessels was "one that the Duchy of Cornwall is working to address across its marine portfolio alongside its partners". "We are committed to creating a positive impact for people, places, and planet, and protecting our marine environment is key to this," he said. Follow BBC Devon on X, Facebook and Instagram. Send your story ideas to spotlight@ Duchy steps in over rising tide of abandoned boats 'Remove shipwrecks before they get in food chain' Wreck on display to highlight abandoned boat issue Duchy of Cornwall
BBC News
5 days ago
- General
- BBC News
Prince William's duchy removes abandoned boats from Devon river
Prince William's estate, the Duchy of Cornwall, has stepped in to remove abandoned boats from a south Devon follows concerns from local residents about pollution and navigational hazards from six boats on the River Avon, near Aveton duchy, which owns the riverbed between Aveton Gifford and Bigbury, said the clean-up operation involved specialist contractors to remove the unseaworthy boats. The vessels were then transported to a recycling and processing facility in Southampton. Local residents had raised alarms about abandoned boats in the estuary, one of which was almost completely submerged at high tide. There were fears that fuel and oil left on board could leak into the water, threatening the delicate estuarine ecosystem. Matthew Morris, rural director of the Duchy of Cornwall, said: "We are pleased to be able to remove the abandoned vessels from the River Avon. "Our marine estuary environments provide important habitats for a range of species and are enjoyed as a place of recreation by both locals and visitors alike."He said the issue of abandoned vessels was "one that the Duchy of Cornwall is working to address across its marine portfolio alongside its partners"."We are committed to creating a positive impact for people, places, and planet, and protecting our marine environment is key to this," he said.
Telegraph
02-07-2025
- General
- Telegraph
Prince of Wales: Regenerative farming should be ‘foundation stone' of British agriculture
The Prince of Wales has called for regenerative farming to become the 'foundation stone' of British agriculture. Prince William, 43, made the impassioned plea at the Groundswell Regenerative Agriculture Festival in Hertfordshire on Wednesday. Billed as a 'very special surprise guest', he spoke to the audience about the group's 'commitment to a brighter, resilient and regenerative future'. The Prince made the 'rallying call' at what marked his second appearance at the annual festival, explaining that regenerative farming is 'not a fringe alternative'. 'It must be a foundation stone of British agriculture to help us rebuild the health of our nation,' he said. It comes after the Government announced that the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) – which rewards farmers for managing their land in a way that benefits the environment – will be revised. After last month's spending review, a cap is to be placed on how much money farmers can receive, which countryside campaigners have warned will threaten wildlife and damage attempts to protect the rural environment. The Prince's speech touched on his first-hand experience since he took charge of the Duchy of Cornwall, the sprawling estate spanning 128,494 acres of land across 20 counties. He aims to visit part of the Duchy once every four to six weeks to meet families and staff that make up the estate, including its farms and offices. Speaking at Groundswell on Wednesday, he said: 'As Duke of Cornwall, I've enjoyed becoming closer to farmers and farming, listening and learning from this remarkable community, who are the heart of the Duchy's rural estate, and working in partnership to enhance the land we share with nature.' He added that farming was not simply about growing food, but 'stewardship of the land, the health of our soils, the purity of our water, and the resilience of our rural society in harmony with nature'. The Prince noted that 'too much' land had been depleted and soils degraded, while nature remained 'in free-fall'. Citing the necessity of a 'different approach' thanks to climate change and mounting economic pressure on farmers, he called for regenerative farming as 'a movement that understands the need for more than just stewardship'. 'Regenerative farming offers a hopeful path forward, a way of working with nature, not against it, of enhancing soil health rather than depleting it, of building resilient systems that are economically viable and ecologically sound,' he said. In the Duchy, he added, farmers are 'already pioneering the future through mob grazing, cover cropping, companion planting, agroforestry and adapted management'. These methods mark the ongoing work of the Duchy's tenant farmers to explore innovative approaches on the road to net zero. During the Prince's visit to Groundswell, he is said to have enjoyed learning about agri-tech and the use of artificial intelligence in farming while listening to other key speakers. He explained that regenerative farming is 'not a single method or dogma, but a mindset' that he has witnessed 'from Herefordshire to the Scilly Isles'. 'We recognise that the transition to regenerative farming is not easy and not without risk. Farmers cannot do it alone,' he added. 'We must work harder to ensure society supports those who are taking bold steps towards regenerative practices.' However, the Government's SFI scheme has long been on the Treasury's hit list because they believe it does not deliver value for money. It could mark the latest blow to British farmers following the Labour Government's decision to impose inheritance tax on farmers in last year's Budget. The Prince urged consumers to 're-educate' themselves on what they eat and where it comes from, pointing out that people must understand 'the true cost of its production'. He concluded: 'To the farmers here today, I offer my respect and encouragement. 'You are at the heart of this transformation, yours is a profession of huge consequence and uncomplaining graft. 'If we as a society are to meet the challenges ahead, it will be by learning from the land, and those who tend it, with wisdom and humility.'
Times
02-07-2025
- Business
- Times
The royal gravy train must be halted
The news that the royal train is to be retired to a museum by 2027 was the public relations equivalent of a tethered goat: an enticing morsel designed to distract attention from less palatable aspects of the royal finances. Faced with the royal family's booming income at a time of hardship for many Britons, officials who guard the royal image clearly decided something had to be offered up. Consigning the train's nine carriages to history was an obvious choice, a painless sacrifice. Costing some £1 million to maintain annually, it was rarely used, enjoying just two outings last year, costing £78,000. It will come as news to most taxpayers that such an extraordinary vehicle still exists, and that they have been shelling out seven figures for it to mainly languish in the sidings. But the royal financials released this week are concerning for the information they do not contain. • King Charles net worth — Sunday Times Rich List 2025 Two sets of figures were released, one relating to the monarchy as a whole, and another to the income of the Prince of Wales from the Duchy of Cornwall. In contrast to the rest of government, where balancing books is a neuralgic issue, the royal finances are in rude health. Since 2011, when David Cameron concocted a ludicrously generous funding formula for the sovereign grant, the annual payment to the monarchy, its value has soared. From £31 million in 2013 it will be £132 million in each of the next two years. Even when money for the £369 million refurbishment of Buckingham Palace is subtracted there will still be tens of millions left to fund royal operations. The sovereign grant formula is bizarre. Some 260 years ago, George III surrendered the earnings from the crown's hereditary lands in return for a stipend. Those assets became the Crown Estate which, despite its name, has nothing to do with the monarchy. Under the Cameron arrangement the grant is calculated at 10 per cent of Crown Estate profits, with a 2 per cent temporary uplift for the palace works. Licence earnings for offshore wind farms on the estate-owned seabed have seen profits rocket to over £1 billion. This is a temporary boost for the estate but not for the royals. The 2011 agreement includes a 'gold ratchet' that means the grant can stay the same or go up, but not fall. Together with his £27 million income from the Duchy of Lancaster the King is well provided for. Even though the palace knows the Crown Estate is a national, not a royal, asset it persists with the fiction that it is. Supposedly, its surrender in the 18th century is still providing a net gain for the public. A spokesman said this week: 'The sum surrendered by the King is far greater than the sum returned as the sovereign grant, and thus there is no additional burden on taxpayers.' To this fantasy is added the secrecy of Prince William over the tax he pays on income from the Duchy of Cornwall. Once public, the amount is now simply described as the 'highest rate'. The duchy is a 'private estate with a commercial imperative'. That means a company, surely? Yet it pays no corporation tax or CGT. It also makes charities, schools and the NHS pay for using premises. William's desire to be a champion for the underprivileged is undermined by this profiteering. Just like the Crown Estate, the duchies of Lancaster and Cornwall are national assets, not 'private' ones. It is time for the government to consolidate all three into a National Estate and pay working royals simple stipends while maintaining royal infrastructure. The gravy train must end.
Daily Mail
27-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
King Charles's Highgrove Gardens slashes price of their English Sparkling Rosé - with Meghan Markle's own wine launch just days away
It appears the royal battle of the wines is officially on as King Charles 's Highgrove Gardens has slashed the price of their Sparkling English Rosé - after Meghan Markle announced the launch of her own wine. The Duchess of Sussex, 43, announced last week that she would be releasing a Napa Valley rosé wine on July 1 - her first foray into the wine market. The product will be sourced from the famous region of California, up the west coast from her Montecito mansion. But Meghan may have been inspired by her father-in-law the King, who himself has a rosé under his Highgrove Gardens label. The King began selling products from the Duchy of Cornwall estate in the 1990s and his Sparkling English Rosé is believed to have first been given the monarch's label in 2010. This week, Highgrove Gardens announced a 15 per cent off deal when six or more bottles are purchased for English Wine Week - showing Meghan may have some competition for the title of best royal rosé. At £34.95, the pop is the first premium English fizz to carry the label of the King and is created at the Herbert Hall Winery exclusively for Highgrove, using English grapes. And royal fans were quick to note that the deal comes with Meghan's own launch just days away, writing 'Great job Highgrove!' and 'I see you!' Meghan Markle is set to launch her own wine in just a few days time - but she may have some royal competition. Pictured in her Netflix show, With Love, Meghan As of time of publication, King Charles's wine is currently out of stock, with the As Ever launch appearing to boost his sales. It's not the first time the royals have gone head to head over the supply of products. Meghan's raspberry spread - originally launched under As Ever's previous name, American Riviera Orchard - may have been inspired by one of the monarch's jams. In fact, King Charles's Highgrove Organic Strawberry Preserve saw a rise in sales after Meghan's launch after royalists flocked to buy the preserve. While profits from Meghan's business endeavours go to herself, any excess money made as part of the Highgrove brand is donated to charity, and 'enables the life and work of the King's Foundation'. The Duchess has not yet confirmed the price point of her own wine - which launches in just a few days' time on Princess Diana's birthday. Meghan's 2023 wine, which will be available to buy from July 1, has been described by her brand as having notes of 'soft notes of stone fruit, gentle minerality and a lasting finish' and a 'bespoke blend' which is 'launching just in time for summer entertaining'. It will be launched under her lifestyle brand, As Ever, which returned with its second drop last week. This week, Highgrove Gardens announced a 15 per cent off deal when six or more bottles are purchased for English Wine Week One of the other new products is a $28 (£21) 'limited edition' orange blossom honey which Meghan said had a 'beautiful golden hue, an enticing aroma, delicate floral notes and subtle citrus undertones' and would be 'a standout addition to your pantry'. The other new item is the apricot spread - one in keepsake packaging at $14 (£10) and the other just in a jar at $9 (£7). Meghan said this 'newest spread balances a delicate sweetness and a gentle brightness that lets this beautiful stone fruit shine'. The brand's description adds that the spread is 'made with gorgeous fruit and a touch of sweetness, letting the apricot's bright flavor shine' and that the 'smooth texture and gentle tartness pair beautifully with everything from toast to cheese boards'. The spread and the honey were both shown as having sold out within minutes. Announcing the items, Meghan said: 'We are pleased to share that many favourites from our debut As Ever collection are back – and, we've added something new. We hope you find some special treats that bring extra joy to you and your loved ones.' In April the Duchess released her first nine As Ever products including raspberry spread in keepsake packaging for $14 (£10) or a normal jar for $9 (£7), with the brand describing the collection as being 'infused with joy, love, and a touch of whimsy'. Others were flower sprinkles for $15 (£11), wildflower honey with honeycomb for $28 (£21), a crepe mix and a shortbread cookie mix with flower sprinkles, both $14. Three types of herbal tea also came out at the same time - hibiscus, lemon ginger and peppermint - for $12 (£9) each. All the products sold out in about 45 minutes. The King's Highgrove Organic Strawberry Preserve saw boosted sales after Meghan's jam launched The Duchess had teased the relaunch with an Instagram post on her As Ever account at midnight Pacific Time (8am UK time), with a new photograph of her smiling on a garden swing with the simple caption: 'No more sleeps'. Meghan had promised some 'delicious surprises' for fans today after describing the April launch of the original As Ever products as 'absolutely extraordinary'. In an Instagram post on June 16, the Duchess wrote: 'Oh yes, honey… sweet things await. Mark your calendars for June 20 at 8am PT – we're bringing back your favorites, plus some delicious surprises you won't want to miss!' In a newsletter issued on June 16, the former Suits actress also wrote: 'First off, a sincere thank you for making the debut of As Ever absolutely extraordinary. 'We had a feeling there would be excitement, but to see everything sell out in less than an hour was an amazing surprise. We are pleased to share that on June 20th, we're going live with the products you love – plus, some new delicious surprises.' PR experts said the latest email was noticeably different to Meghan's first As Ever message, which was a long piece full of inspirational quotes and personal anecdotes. Sarah Schmidt, celebrity publicist and president of PR firm Interdependence, told MailOnline on Wednesday: 'Meghan's first As Ever newsletter was poetic and intimate. 'It positioned the brand as an extension of her personal rituals and values, written in the voice of someone building a lifestyle, not just selling a product. 'The latest email, by contrast, is pure transaction: short, strategic and sales-focused. And that pivot is telling.' She said the audience is now witnessing a 'shift' in Meghan from a 'founder-as-storyteller' to 'founder-as-operator.' Ms Schmidt added: 'It suggests a brand moving from emotional origin story into operational scale. However, when key team members exit and the tone tightens, audiences can feel that. 'If the first email said, 'Come into my garden,' the second says, 'Get ready to shop.' Neither is wrong, but the dissonance creates questions. Not just about Meghan's role but about the heart and soul of the brand.' Earlier this month Meghan said she had decided to 'just pause' restocking her brand, saying she wanted to wait until it is 'completely stable and we have everything we need'. She also spoke of the difficulties of building her firm and 'how many tears' she has shed behind the scenes on a bonus episode of her Confessions of a Female Founder podcast featuring Beyonce's mother Tina Knowles. Meghan had suggested the 'scarcity mentality at the beginning might be a hook for people', comparing it to 'a sneaker drop'. But she feared it might be 'annoying' for customers, adding: 'I don't want you to eat that jam once every six months. I want that to be on your shelf all the time.' Meghan said: 'So for me at the moment, with As Ever, it was great. We planned for a year we get and then everything sells out in 45 minutes. 'Yes, amazing, great news. Then what do you do? And then you say 'Ok, we planned as best as we could. Are we going to replenish and sell out again in an hour? Or is that annoying as a customer? 'I'm looking at it saying 'Just pause. That happened. Let's wait until we are completely stable and we have everything we need'.' She added how people 'see all the flashy stuff and they see the product. But that end game… those behind the scenes moments, how many tears I've shed'. The Duchess has denied that her personal Instagram account, where she shares behind the scenes footage of family life, is a tool to promote her business. Meghan said returning to social media at the start of the year was 'a great way to get my voice back', and she uses it for 'authentic' sharing such as her twerking video. She added: 'It's my space and my channel for joy.' The former Suits actress went back on Instagram in January, first with footage of her running around a beach and writing 2025 in the sand, and then a montage from her Netflix show With Love, Meghan. The Duchess has since made numerous posts about As Ever, mentioning her As Ever Instagram account, but has also released photos and videos of the Sussexes' life with their children Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. On Lili's fourth birthday last week, Meghan shared footage of herself twerking in a labour room while heavily pregnant with her daughter. On the Aspire with Emma Grede podcast, entrepreneur Grede asked Meghan about her return to social media, saying: 'Are you thinking about it in the way that so many of us do as also a business tool?' Meghan replied: 'Not for my personal account, no.' Grede challenged her, asking: 'Really?' Meghan said: 'For my personal account? …No.' Grede told her: 'Well that's the one we're all following.' Meghan replied and laughed: 'Well good…as long as you're following As Ever too. No, I think for me it was great way to get my voice back… It's my space and my channel for joy – that is the intention of my handle.' Meghan's personal account @Meghan has 3.9 million followers. Her @aseverofficial account has 864,000 followers, and is linked into her @Meghan bio, as is her ShopMy collection. Earlier this week, Meghan shared a new video of herself gardening with her daughter, who was sporting a brand loved by the Wales children. In the Instagram clip, Montecito-based Meghan and Lilibet, four, appeared to enjoy foraging through the bushes while collecting fresh produce. The mother-daughter duo stood on a bridge while searching for fresh fruits in the sunshine. Meghan, dressed in a casual white shirt and black shorts, gently stroked her daughter's hair while an anonymous cameraperson captured them from across a stream. Meanwhile, the youngest child of Meghan and Prince Harry put on a sweet display in a light pink ensemble and a £35 rainbow bag from Jellycat. The popular British toy brand, which is famous for selling cuddly toys with smiling faces, is also a firm favourite among the Prince and Princess of Wales 's children - and Princess Charlotte posed with a toy from the brand in a 2015 portrait.
