A royal twist: How Hungarian journalist Noémi landed a rental deal with Prince William in Cornwall

A few years ago, Noémi Hegedűs made a significant life change: she decided to follow her daughter to Cornwall, England, who had just been accepted into a British university. In Hungary, Noémi had worked as a journalist, but the timing felt right for a fresh start.

While her daughter settled comfortably into student accommodation, Noémi faced the challenge of finding her own place. According to Szeretlek Magyarország, she quickly discovered that the rental market in England could be demanding; most properties were let out short-term to tourists, and those available for longer tenancies were snapped up quickly, often at high prices.

After a lengthy search, Noémi stumbled upon an intriguing listing: a house to let in Cornwall. She had no idea at first who the landlord was, but England’s rental market required her to undergo a series of checks designed to reassure landlords that potential tenants were stable and reliable. Noémi’s background check went smoothly, and only after she had been approved did she discover that her landlord was none other than Prince William. In full regal style, he was titled William Arthur Philip Louis, Prince of Wales, Duke of Cornwall, Duke of Cambridge, and more.

Source: Wikimedia Comms / Author: Robert Payne

The Duchy of Cornwall and Prince William’s role

Naturally, this piqued Noémi’s curiosity about how Prince William came to own property in Cornwall. She soon learnt about the Duchy of Cornwall, which dates back to 1337, when it was created by King Edward III to provide financial independence for the heir to the throne. Since then, the title of Duke of Cornwall has automatically gone to the monarch’s eldest son. During Queen Elizabeth’s reign, Prince Charles held the title for the longest period in history. Now, as the current Duke of Cornwall, Prince William manages estates across the region, making him the 25th Duke to oversee this remarkable legacy.

Noémi ended up benefiting from Prince William’s management of the Duchy. Although renting from a royal might sound expensive, she found that William preferred long-term tenants and prioritised tenant stability over high rental rates. Thanks to this policy, Noémi secured the house at a better rate than typical local prices. According to Blikk, Prince William oversees around fifty properties in the area, which serve as a significant income source for the Duchy, but his goal seemed to be more about supporting a reliable community of renters than generating quick profit.

The charm of Cornwall

Moving to Cornwall has been an enriching experience for Noémi. She has since started a blog to document her adventures in this beautiful corner of England, where each day brings something new. The warm and welcoming locals quickly made her feel at home, sharing stories of Cornwall’s rich history and its distinct culture. She was drawn to the rugged coastline, the quaint villages, and the strong sense of community—qualities that make Cornwall feel worlds apart from the bustling cities she had known.

Source: Pixabay

Over time, Noémi embraced Cornwall’s unique rhythm, enjoying the local festivals, craft fairs, and open-air markets that fill its calendar. With each event, she found herself further enchanted by the creative and resilient spirit of Cornwall’s people. As one local saying goes, “If you’re fed up with England, move to Cornwall, and you’ll love it again.” For Noémi, this couldn’t be truer—it’s been a fresh start in a place full of charm, discovery, and a sense of belonging that has made her feel at home all over again.

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