Overview

This bill proposes significant changes to the funding of the monarchy, the governance of the Duchy of Cornwall, and the parliamentary process. It aims to amend the Sovereign Grant Act 2011, redistribute the Duchy of Cornwall's assets, change the rules of succession for the Duke of Cornwall title, and remove the requirement for royal consent on parliamentary bills.

Description

The bill makes several key amendments:

• Amendment to the Sovereign Grant Act 2011: It amends the Act to include the Duke of Cornwall's funding within the Sovereign Grant, restricting its use to official royal travel for the six people next in line to the throne and their staff. Official travel is defined as air and rail travel for official duties, travel between official residences, and travel by staff directly related to royal duties.
• Amendments to the Duchy of Cornwall Estate: The bill reinterprets a 1337 charter to allow the title of Duke of Cornwall to pass to the eldest living child of the monarch, regardless of gender. More importantly, it mandates the transfer of the Duchy of Cornwall's assets and property to a public trust for the benefit of the people of Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. The Secretary of State will have power to define this trust through order.
• Removal of Queen's and Prince's Consent: The bill eliminates the need for Parliament to seek the consent of the Monarch, Prince of Wales, or Prince Regent before considering any public bills.

Government Spending

The bill will likely lead to a redistribution of funds. While the Sovereign Grant will now include the Duke of Cornwall's finances, the transfer of the Duchy of Cornwall's assets to a public trust will remove these assets from the Crown Estate. The overall net effect on government spending is unclear without further details on the value of the Duchy's assets and the structure of the new public trust.

Groups Affected

• The Royal Family: Changes to the Sovereign Grant and the Duchy of Cornwall's funding will directly affect the finances available to the monarchy.
• The People of Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly: They will benefit from the creation of a public trust managing the Duchy of Cornwall's assets.
• Parliament: The bill removes a historical requirement for royal consent, increasing parliamentary independence.
• The Duke/Duchess of Cornwall: The changes to the succession and the transfer of the Duchy's assets will significantly impact their financial standing and responsibilities.

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