Prince William is looking at turning Royal estate properties into housing for the homeless, according to reports.

The prince is set to inherit the Duchy of Cornwall, which was created by Edward III in 1337, when his father becomes King.

The Duchy is a private estate that provides income to the Duke of Cornwall, currently Prince Charles, and members of his family.

It owns more than 52,660 hectares of land, more than £300million worth of commercial properties, 16 flats, and 23 houses.

William has reportedly asked staff to find out how some of the buildings could be used to help the homeless, according to the Daily Telegraph.

The issue has been close to the prince’s heart since he first visited the homeless shelter The Passage with his mother Princess Diana in 1993.

A royal insider told the newspaper: “The Duke is interested in finding ways to help alleviate the homelessness situation in any way he can.”

William is patron of The Passage and of Centrepoint, a charity that provides shelter and support to young people.