Residents of Poundbury, King Charles’s flagship model town in Dorset, have unleashed a wave of fury, accusing the monarch and Prince William of abandoning the once-celebrated development. Built on Duchy of Cornwall land as a utopian vision of harmonious living, the town is now described by locals as plagued by neglect, drugs, excessive red tape, and a “feudal” management style that leaves them feeling “ignored and left to rot.”

Poundbury, begun in the late 1980s under then-Prince Charles, was hailed as an idyllic blend of private and affordable housing, boutique shops, workplaces, and community facilities. Now home to 4,600 residents and 240 businesses, it was meant to embody traditional architecture and sustainable urban planning. But since Charles’s ascension in 2023 – and William’s inheritance of the Duchy – locals claim the dream has faded dramatically.

“We were sold a lie,” one retiree fumed, echoing sentiments in recent reports. Andrew Cook, who moved from Hertfordshire, lamented: “The idyll we were sold has paled somewhat.” He blamed the Duchy’s “very feudal” approach for ongoing issues, including uncollected leaves piling up, drug problems, and even “brawling pensioners.”

Complaints centre on the Duchy’s perceived arrogance. Earlier rows over planting tall bird cherry trees – blocking premium countryside views and light – saw retrospective planning applications submitted after the fact, further enraging homeowners. Strict rules, like bans on double glazing, leave some elderly residents in homes barely reaching 17°C in winter. “There are too many rules and regulations. The Duchy are aloof and officious,” one pensioner said.

Residents allege communication attempts are repeatedly ignored, with the estate “ploughing on” regardless. Traffic chaos from Charles’s aversion to road markings leads to near-misses, while rising prices risk pricing out locals in favour of affluent newcomers.

Not all agree – some praise the “picturesque and eclectic” community – but the backlash highlights a perceived shift since William took over. Critics say the Prince of Wales shows little interest in his father’s pet project, allowing decline amid broader Duchy scrutiny.

A Duchy spokesperson declined comment, but the estate insists on creating “beauty and local character.” For furious residents, however, the royal vision feels betrayed: abandoned by a king too busy with the crown, and ignored by an heir focused elsewhere.

As Poundbury nears completion in 2026, this unrest strikes at Charles’s legacy, raising questions about whether his urban dream can survive royal succession – or if residents have been left in a gilded cage, rotting from within.