Prince William has developed a reputation as a firm yet focused leader in one of his most important royal duties as heir to the throne.

Following King Charles’ ascension in 2022, William, 42, inherited the Duchy of Cornwall — a vast estate valued at over $1 billion, covering more than 20 counties across England and Wales. The duchy funds the heir and is a key part of his royal responsibilities. William regularly visits the region every four to six weeks, and The Telegraph recently joined him on one of these low-profile trips, offering a glimpse into his approach to leadership.

Will Bax, the duchy’s secretary, described William as “pretty demanding,” but in a way that reflects his ambition and strong values.

“He’s easy to follow because he’s got great conviction and personality, and he really wears his heart on his sleeve in terms of social interest and his desire to have a positive impact in the world,” Bax shared.

Ben Murphy, the estate director, echoed that sentiment, noting that William has “a healthy impatience, as his father did,” which keeps the team motivated.

Established in 1337 by King Edward III, the Duchy now includes 130,000 acres of farmland, housing, and other assets. While it financially supports the heir, William also sees it as a tool for positive change.

“I see the Duchy as an extension of the work we do with the Royal Foundation,” he told The Telegraph. “I see it as a branch of my philanthropy… There’s so much good we can do in the rural world.”

He’s especially committed to improving mental health support for farmers and addressing sustainability. Homelessness, another long-standing focus of his, is also being tackled through local partnerships.

Bax described William as “a man on a mission,” saying he is pushing for rapid and meaningful progress.

“I’m trying to make sure I’m prioritizing stuff that’s going to make people’s lives, living in those areas, better,” William explained. “That, I feel as Duke of Cornwall, is something I should be doing. It’s about responsibility, it’s about leadership and doing what’s right on the social issues of our time.”

Even family vacations sometimes intersect with William’s work. During trips with Kate and their children — Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis — to the Isles of Scilly, he has been known to ask locals what would improve their lives. This has led to developments such as a healthcare facility, teacher and doctor housing, and a focus on sustainable tourism.

In July, the Duchy released its Integrated Annual Report, showing a $30.4 million distributable surplus for the 2023-2024 financial year — William’s first full year as Duke of Cornwall. He reportedly pays income tax on his earnings from the duchy after deducting certain household expenses.