King Charles benefits from the inheritance of thousands of deceased people

However, in the historic duchies of Lancaster and Cornwall, which are traditionally privately owned by the Crown, the royal property managers receive the “bona vacantia”, which means abandoned property.

The Guardian recently wrote that this income would also be used to renovate and rent properties in the Duchy of Lancaster, which belongs to the king personally. Critics described the regulation as archaic.

After the article was published, the Lancaster administration announced that it would invest more than 100 million pounds (currently 115.18 million euros) in investment funds that also focus on ethical aspects. The anti-monarchy organization Republic spoke of an “admission of unethical investments.” At the same time, Republic criticized: “But they will still invest money that will be taken from the dead and spent as Charles wishes.”

“Bizarre remnant of feudal Britain”

According to the Guardian, the duchy had previously not provided any information as to whether its charities had invested in oil or gas, tobacco, weapons or mining companies. However, there is now no evidence that the use of the “bona vacantia” titles will be changed, the paper reported at the weekend.

The Duchy of Lancaster is considered the king’s largest source of income and has increased by well over £20 million in recent years. The property includes some of the most famous addresses in London as well as properties in England and Wales.

Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham called the “bona vacantia” rule in the Duchy of Lancaster “a bizarre remnant of feudal Britain”. His colleague for the Liverpool City area, Steve Rotheram, called for clarification and transparency. “Good causes have been bypassed and instead it appears that money has been spent on renovating royal properties,” criticized Rotheram.

The Duchy of Cornwall, which is traditionally administered by the heir to the throne – Charles’ older son Prince William – also benefits from “bona vacantia” titles. However, this duchy has been pursuing an ethical investment strategy for a long time. None of the duchies have to pay corporate or capital gains tax.

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