Prince William marked St. Piran’s Day in Cornwall on March 5 with a visit that highlighted both local traditions and the resilience of the region after a difficult winter. The day also saw the future king briefly set aside the title most people know him by.
A different title in Cornwall
When William visits Cornwall, he does not go by Prince of Wales. Instead, he uses the title Duke of Cornwall, a role he inherited in 2022 when his father, King Charles III, became monarch.
The title is more than ceremonial. As Duke of Cornwall, William oversees the Duchy of Cornwall, a large private estate that provides around £23 million annually. The income supports his charitable work, official duties, and the private expenses of his family.
His trip coincided with St. Piran’s Day, a celebration of Cornish heritage and identity. The annual event honours St. Piran, the patron saint of Cornwall, and is widely celebrated across the county. For William, the visit was an opportunity to recognise local culture while also acknowledging the challenges the area recently faced after severe storms.
Trying his hand at a Cornish tradition
