The heir to the throne is set to quit 900-acre Home Farm because he 'will be expected to be king at some point', it has been reported.

image expired

The Prince now 71, has been at the Gloucestershire estate for 35 years, which he turned organic in 1985 before starting 'Duchy Originals' sold by Waitrose and Ocado.

But he plans not to renew his lease and will instead convert Sandringham which he took over from his father last year into the biggest organic sheep farm in the UK, reports the Sun who quoted an insider saying that “It will be a wrench to give up Home Farm but the prince will continue to farm organically at Sandringham.”

The lease for Home Farm is expected to run out in April and it is hoped that a new tenant will be announced before the end of the year.

image expired

As patron of the Rare Breeds Survival Trust, he has been keen to ensure the farm plays its part in preserving the gene pool of British pigs, sheep and cattle.

It has previously welcomed Tamworth pigs, Irish Moiled pigs, Gloucester, Shetland and British White cattle, as well as Hebridean and Shropshire sheep. 

His plans for re-developing Sandringham have previously run into trouble according to the Daily Mail, after he became locked in battle with locals over a scheme for a 500-strong organic cattle herd.Locals are said to be concerned about the smell that could be caused by so many cows.

The royal estate has applied for a large shed measuring 315ft by 98ft for the production of organically, grass-fed high-quality beef from local heritage breeds represents an enhancement of the heritage, cultural and environmental assets of West Norfolk.

The estate will go into full organic production across all its enterprises the need for a good source of farmyard manure to maintain soil fertility means that the estate is farming more sustainably and further enhances the environmental assets of the borough.

Back in 1986 his shunning of modern techniques was initially criticised but many other farmers have followed suit, even making visits to learn more about Home Farm's biodynamic methods.