In a surprising twist of royal fate, Prince William has stepped into his new role as landlord to his father, King Charles.

Reports indicate that the King will pay his eldest son up to £700,000 annually for the use of Highgrove House, a cherished estate located in Gloucestershire.

This arrangement comes as part of William’s new responsibilities as the Prince of Wales, which now includes managing the Duchy of Cornwall’s extensive property portfolio.

The Duchy of Cornwall, valued at a staggering £345 million, is no small affair.

It encompasses a vast 128,000 acres and generated an impressive £21 million in income last year.

Traditionally, this wealth is transferred to the eldest son of the reigning monarch, making William the largest private landowner in Britain.

His holdings span 23 counties and include a diverse array of properties, from farms and housing developments to castles and commercial real estate.

Among the notable assets of the Duchy are the Scilly Islands, where it owns most of the land, including nearly a third of the homes on the five inhabited islands.

These picturesque locales attract tourists drawn to their natural beauty, with seals, dolphins, and rare flowers among the highlights.

Interestingly, the Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust pays just one daffodil each year as rent to the Duchy, a charming nod to tradition amidst modern governance.

In Devon, the Duchy also holds the freehold of Dartmoor Prison, which has housed notorious figures like London gangsters Frank Mitchell and Jack McVitie.

Not to be overlooked, the portfolio even includes the iconic Oval Cricket Ground in South London, a venue steeped in sporting history.

Highgrove House, King Charles’s beloved residence, has deep personal significance.

Following the recent passing of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, he sought solace there.

The estate was once a weekend retreat for Charles and Princess Diana, though she never returned after their separation in 1992.

Over the years, it has become a sanctuary for the King, reflecting his passion for gardening and environmental stewardship.

When Charles purchased Highgrove in 1980, the grounds were in disarray.

However, with the help of renowned gardeners, he has transformed the estate into a stunning showcase of horticultural beauty.

The gardens now feature rare trees, heirloom seeds, and various themed areas, including a wild garden, a formal garden, and a walled kitchen garden.

The property boasts a nine-bedroom mansion, complete with six bathrooms and elegant interiors designed by the late Robert Kime.

It also emphasizes sustainability, equipped with solar panels and a natural sewage filtering system, aligning with the King’s commitment to the environment.

The gardens are undoubtedly the crown jewel of Highgrove.

They now draw approximately 30,000 visitors each year, eager to experience the beauty that Charles has cultivated over four decades.

Guided tours last just under two hours, allowing guests to immerse themselves in this botanical paradise.

In his book, “Highgrove: A Garden Celebrated,” Charles expressed his hope that visitors would find inspiration and solace amidst the flora.

He acknowledged that while some may dismiss his efforts as extravagant, he believes in the healing power of nature.

To further celebrate the beauty of his gardens, the King recently collaborated with British perfume house Penhaligon’s to create a fragrance inspired by Highgrove’s floral scents.

The resulting perfume, called Highgrove Bouquet Eau de Parfum, is a vibrant blend featuring lavender and geranium, capturing the essence of summer blooms.

Adding to the allure of Highgrove is the shared passion for gardening between King Charles and Queen Consort Camilla.

She has spoken fondly about the joy of planting and nurturing the land, finding it to be a therapeutic escape from the pressures of royal life.

For both, the garden is not just a hobby; it’s a cherished retreat that brings peace and creativity into their lives.