Prince William has stopped imposing rents on lifeboat stations, the fire service, village halls and school playing fields after a Sunday Times investigation revealed his private property empire was making large sums of money from charities and community groups.

The Duchy of Cornwall, which provides William with a private income, said it had taken the opportunity “to stop and reflect” since the story and the estate now wished to adopt a “new policy” to ensure it was “a force for good in the years to come”.

In November, a joint investigation with Channel 4’s Dispatches obtained the details of 3536 properties held by the Duchy of Lancaster, which provides the King with an income, and 1874 held by the Duchy of Cornwall.

The files revealed that Charles and his elder son were making millions a year in tax-free profits by charging charities, the armed forces, the NHS, schools, the prison service and councils for the right to use lands, rivers and seashores largely seized by the monarchy in medieval times.