Prince William wants to revive a UK village in the south west of England. Princetown, which is in the Dartmoor National Park, in Devon, has faced issues over the years. Known for its disused HMP Dartmoor, Princetown is owned by the Duchy. The prison shut permanently in 2024, after levels of the radioactive gas radon inside its buildings were found to be too high to be safe. Locals say the area has become a “ghost town” since its closure.

Staff, visitors and contractors who visited the prison reportedly kept things alive for local hospitality sector. But now, the town is struggling with very little footfall making its way to the area. Not only has the prison closed but the National Parks Authority visitor centre also shut in 2025. Prince William is the landowner of Princetown, which is part of his Duchy of Cornwall private estate.

The land has historic ties to the royal family, and the prince himself has visited many times. He inherited the Duchy upon the death of his grandmother Elizabeth II, when his father became King.

Up until now, the £1.5m that the Ministry of Justice still pays annually to rent the prison land has gone into the Duchy of Cornwall’s accounts. These accounts are what the Prince uses to fund his life, reports The Telegraph.

However, it has now been announced that it will be used for putting money into Dartmoor and Princetown to bring the area back to life.

Prince William's private secretary Ian Patrick said: “The Duke has seen first-hand the impact that the prison’s continued closure is having on the local community and believes it is right that this money should be used to help the area build for the future while uncertainty remains.

“This decision reflects The Duke’s belief that the Duchy should be a force for positive impact in the communities it serves.”

He added: “Prince William knows that for many people in Princetown, the prison has long been part of the fabric of the community.

“Its closure has created genuine uncertainty, not just about jobs and businesses, but about the future of the town itself.

“The duke felt strongly that, while those questions remain unanswered, the benefit of this income should remain in the community, helping local people shape that future,” reports Devon Live.