Telegraph: Queen could benefit from shale gas boom
Firms are preparing to start exploring for the new gas resources across vast swathes of the north-east, north-west, south and Scotland, after ministers lifted a ban on "fracking" this week.
One of these companies, Cuadrilla Resources, is now considering whether to launch a new project in Lancashire on land owned by the Duchy of Lancaster.
The historic royal estate has a portfolio of land, property and assets "held in trust for the sovereign in his or her role as Duke of Lancaster," so any benefit would ultimately go to the Queen.
Cuadrilla today confirmed has spoken to the landowner, about getting permission to drill.
The actual gas trapped underground belongs to the Crown Estate and money raised from the sale of licences to drill would therefore go to the taxpayer.
"We do have to get permission from the landowner to drill and carry out seismic and as part of that they would be paid," a Cuadrilla spokesman said. "But mineral rights all belong to state." MORE