Charles giving up lease on Home Farm ahead of his future as king

The Prince of Wales will not renew his lease on his organic Home Farm, Clarence House has confirmed.

Heir to the throne Charles has farmed at the 1,000-acre plot near his country home Highgrove in Gloucestershire for 35 years.

It is understood the prince, 71, could not commit to a new 20-year-lease, due for renewal in the spring of 2021, as he is expected to become king at some stage.

The move is a practical one, with Charles unlikely to be able focus on the farm when devoted to his duties as a monarch.

Produce from the farm was used by the prince to start the Duchy Originals brand, now known as Waitrose Duchy Organic, with its wheat and oats used to make the Duchy Originals oaten biscuit.