The Prince and Princess of Wales have shared personal statements in just 13 words ahead of their upcoming royal duties. Last weekend, the couple, along with their three children, enjoyed their annual trip to Balmoral with the rest of the Royals. This comes just before their children head back to school next week.
On their social media platforms, the couple wished the best of luck to Team GB athletes competing in the Paris Paralympics. Despite their passion for sports, the Waleses did not attend the games in person. Instead, they appeared in a video alongside celebrities to congratulate the athletes on their performances.
Being central to the future of the monarchy is nothing new for William and Catherine. Since their marriage, they have been integral to royal life. William, as the heir to the throne, is the literal future of the monarchy, while Catherine, the enigmatic and elegant Princess of Wales, plays a crucial role as well. She is ranked third in the royal power rankings, following William and King Charles. Her six-month absence has highlighted her importance; without her, the royal family seems less vibrant. Her presence at events, like the Trooping the Colour, has been seen as revitalizing the monarchy, akin to the days of her late mother-in-law, Princess Diana.
Although Princess Catherine’s salary is linked to Prince William’s, the value she brings to the royal family is immeasurable. The royal family recently released the Duchy of Cornwall’s annual report, revealing the financial details of Prince William and Kate Middleton. From March 2023 to March 2024, the Duchy earned around £26.6 million (over $30 million USD). While the Prince and Princess of Wales don’t receive direct paychecks for their royal roles, the Duchy of Cornwall covers all their expenses, which can be used to fund their public, charitable, and private activities.
The annual earnings of the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall were equivalent to at least 635 nurses' salaries. Notably, since Princess Catherine appeared at the Wimbledon men’s finals two weeks ago, she and her husband have earned nearly $1.6 million. Although happiness and good health are priceless, the financial value associated with being a princess is substantial.
In a notable shift, the removal of Elliott from the Duchy marks a significant change. Elliott began her role when the then Prince Charles, as Duke of Cornwall, ran the Duchy. Following his 2005 marriage to Camilla, Elliott was hired by the Prince of Wales. William’s decision to part ways with Annabelle Elliott is not surprising to his friends. The Duchy, now belonging to William, has long been part of the royal estate. King Charles, who has long sought a streamlined royal family, has supported the reorganization proposed by the Prince and Princess of Wales. This strategy includes key elements designed to enhance the monarchy’s significance and ensure its financial stability.
If the name van Custom sounds familiar to royal watchers, it’s because the van Custom family has been a regular feature in royal life. Hugh van Custom, who passed away in 2013, was a friend and neighbor of Charles. His son, Hugh van Custom Jr., a chartered surveyor with a distinguished career in property and investment, is also known for his close ties to the British royal family. He is the godfather to Prince George and a childhood friend of William.
