KING Charles is making millions from his ownership of the shoreline around Barrow, it can be revealed.

The King owns the foreshore that runs around Barrow as part of his estate the Duchy of Lancaster.

According to an investigation by Channel 4 and the Sunday Times, the King's estate profits from use of the wind farm off the coast of Walney.

Cables needed to bring electricity back to shore from the wind farm - the second largest in the world - pass across beaches owned by the duchy.

It was reported that in 2011 the duchy struck a deal that will see it make £4.5 million over 50 years from the owner of the wind farm, Walney Offshore Windfarm Ltd, a subsidiary of Ørsted, to allow a single underground cable to run under the shore.

Another deal struck in 2020 with another Ørsted subsidiary is said to be worth £14 million to the duchy over 50 years to allow more Walney wind farm electricity to be brought onshore via cables under the King’s beach at Potts Corner in Lancashire, according to the Sunday Times.

The Crown Estate owns the land where the wind farm sits. Last year King Charles asked for profits from the £1bn-a-year crown estate windfarm deal to be used for the 'wider public good' rather than as extra funding for the monarchy.

The duchy owns the coastline between Liverpool and Barrow, which is 'part of the duchy’s  ancient inheritance', and reflects former boundaries of the County Palatine of Lancaster.

Several commercial and industrial properties are also owned by the duchy.

A Duchy of Lancaster spokesman said: “The Duchy of Lancaster operates as a commercial company, managing a broad range of land and property assets across England and Wales. It complies with all relevant UK legislation and regulatory standards applicable to its range of business activities.”

“While His Majesty The King takes a close interest in the work of the duchy, the day-to-day management of the portfolio is the responsibility of the council and executive team.

"The financial and environmental performance of the duchy is disclosed each year in our published report and accounts which are independently audited and freely available on the Duchy of Lancaster website."