The Prince of Wales has given many nervous moments to those of a more conservative bent. From his apparent lack of interest in Christian faith to his advocacy for fashionable approaches to men’s mental health, he displays signs of a non-traditional method of monarchy. Now, alarm bells have been rung once again by a proposed scheme to consolidate the Duchy of Cornwall, which will seemingly involve selling off as much as a fifth of its land holdings.

Land retains a kind of spiritual power and significance in Britain, representing stability and history — and, perhaps most importantly, the human connection to nature. For defenders of monarchy, the fact that members of the Royal Family literally own large swathes of the country is an analogue of their mystical responsibility for the nation.

It is therefore easy to see why some people are concerned by the news that Prince William is approving a large reduction in the Duchy’s portfolio. The move has reportedly been made in order to raise money for social and environmental projects: affordable housing, rural jobs, biodiversity and renewable energy. None of these schemes are objectionable in themselves. But there are risks for the Royals in using this land for activism and social schemes rather than land stewardship.

The modern case for monarchy leans heavily on its value as a symbol of national continuity, and a non-partisan focal point of loyalty and patriotism. Kings and queens are an argument for the long view of public life — for the Burkean compact of the dead, the living and those yet to be born. This makes them an excellent fit for the cultivation and preservation of land, because that requires the kind of qualities for which conservative monarchists argue: patience, caution and fondness for the concrete and the real over the abstract and the possible. The suggestion that the Royal Family is no longer interested in large-scale land ownership could undermine the entire constellation of ideas and instincts which support the institution.

Perhaps a more socially active and involved monarchy is the way forward. William could shore up the firm’s faltering popularity by becoming a visibly philanthropic and innovative heir to the throne. Poundbury, the urban extension development led by the Duchy of Cornwall, has not done any harm to the King’s image. But let us hope that there will always be a little room for the older style. Land is no longer the preeminent asset. But for many people, the farms and hills and woods of the country are fundamental to their patriotism.

---

Niall Gooch is a public sector worker and occasional writer who lives in Kent.

niall_gooch

---