King Charles and Prince William face $13.6M energy upgrade bill

King Charles III and Prince William may face costs exceeding $13.6 million to upgrade rental properties across their private estates to meet upcoming government energy-efficiency standards. An investigation into more than 700 Energy Performance Certificates (EPC) across the Duchies of Cornwall and Lancaster and the Sandringham estate revealed that 630 properties currently hold a rating of D or lower.

Under proposed government plans, privately rented homes must achieve a minimum EPC rating of C by 2030, an increase from the current minimum requirement of E. If the findings from the sample reflect the total holdings, over 1,000 homes could require modernization. Failure to meet these standards could also result in fines of up to £30,000 per property.

The potential financial burden comes amid the royals' public commitment to environmental causes, such as Prince William’s Earthshot Prize. Tenants have reported issues including poor insulation and inadequate heating in some royal properties. The Duchy of Cornwall noted that the historical nature and remote locations of many buildings present significant challenges for renovation.