Crown Estate probe after £1.1b profit from offshore wind farms

The Crown Estate is under investigation by MPs after it reported profits of £1.1 billion from offshore wind farms, a £658 million increase from the previous year. Concerns were raised about using Britain's seabed as a profitable resource, with Greenpeace claiming the estate's monopoly drives up UK energy bills.

The estate charges developers for seabed leases, receiving 2% of revenue once wind farms operate. Calls for King Charles to take action have emerged, emphasizing a need for an independent review of leasing practices. Critics argue royal funding linked to profits should be redirected to public services instead.