Not the King (of the UK, rather than England, strictly speaking) but the UK state versus Elon Musk. "The Crown" is the state as represented by the reigning mon

Not the King (of the UK, rather than England, strictly speaking) but the UK state versus Elon Musk. "The Crown" is the state as represented by the reigning monarch. As such the Crown Estate is land that belongs to the UK as a group of countries, but ultimately represented by King Charles, for now. A few months ago, it was represented by Queen Elizabeth. In time, it will be represented by King Charles' successor. The King doesn't "own" the land any more than the US President "owns" Air Force One - it belongs to the country and it's just a "work truck" for him while he's in the job.