Prince William recently came under scrutiny after it was revealed that the British government funded his flights to New York City last September for a two-day visit.
This revelation sparked debate, given that William has access to significant funds to cover his official, charitable, and personal expenses.
Prince William’s trip to New York faces criticism
A report released this week highlighted that William received £23.6 million ($30.4 million) from the profits of the Duchy of Cornwall last year.
This historic estate, established in 1337, consists of land and financial assets that provide the monarch’s eldest son with a private income.
The Sovereign Grant Report, published annually in Britain, details the monarchy’s official expenses. It included an appendix listing royal travel costs exceeding £17,000 ($21,960), revealing that William’s commercial flights to and from New York City in September 2023 were funded by the publicly financed Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO).
According to the official report, William’s trip was to “visit New York during The United Nations General Assembly.”
However, at the time, it was primarily promoted as an opportunity for him to attend an event associated with his Earthshot Prize, an environmental charity initiative.
William’s New York City visit, from September 18 to 19, was announced by Kensington Palace under the headline:
“The Prince of Wales will visit New York to attend The Earthshot Prize Summit.” This announcement did not emphasize a government-related purpose for the trip.
The Earthshot event took place during Climate Week NYC, coinciding with the U.N. General Assembly session.
Kensington Palace stated in its press release that William would participate in various events during his stay.
“The Prince will carry out additional meetings and events linked to The Earthshot Prize and to learn about how New York is tackling environmental issues,” it read. “He will also travel to the United Nations to meet with the UN Secretary-General and other world leaders.”
During his New York trip, William engaged in five key activities: visiting an oyster environmental project, meeting U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres, meeting Ecuador’s President Guillermo Lasso, attending the Earthshot Prize Innovation Summit, and visiting the city’s first responders.
The revelation that the government paid for William’s flights has led to questions about what constitutes “essential” royal travel.