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Princess Diana’s Last Will and Testament Revealed: The Complexities of Her Inheritance

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Princess Diana’s Last Will and Testament Revealed: The Complexities of Her Inheritance

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In 1993, just four years before her tragic death, Princess Diana signed her last will and testament.

While it was expected that she would leave many of her possessions to her two sons, Prince William and Prince Harry, the process of acquiring their inheritance turned out to be far from simple.

At the time of her passing in August 1997, Diana, Princess of Wales, was reportedly worth around £21 million, equivalent to approximately $31.5 million USD.

This included her funds, stock investments, jewelry, clothing, and a £17 million divorce settlement from Prince Charles.

According to the documents she signed on June 1, 1993, her estate was divided among various individuals, including her longtime butler, Paul Burrell, and her godchildren.

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However, it comes as no surprise that her primary beneficiaries were her beloved sons.

Many may not be aware of the extensive list of cousins Prince William and Prince Harry have.

While we are familiar with Peter Phillips, Zara Tindall, Princess Beatrice, Princess Eugenie, Lady Louise Windsor, James, Viscount Severn, from Prince Charles’s side, there are also numerous cousins from Diana’s family.

Diana was born into the aristocratic Spencer family and grew up in the grand Althorp estate in Northampton.

This 90-room, 100,000 square feet home will one day be inherited by Louis Frederick John Spencer, Viscount Althorp, who has been dubbed a top eligible bachelor by Tatler.

Born on March 14, 1994, Louis is the fourth child of Charles Spencer, 9th Earl Spencer, and Victoria Lockwood.

He has three older sisters, Lady Kitty, Lady Eliza, and Lady Amelia, as well as younger siblings from his father’s subsequent marriages, Edmund, Lady Lara, and Lady Charlotte.

Louis, often praised for his resemblance to his cousin Prince Harry, is the nephew of the late Princess Diana, Lady Sarah MacAucadale, and Jane Fellows, Baroness Fellows.

While he spent his early years in Cape Town with his elder sisters, he later relocated to the UK and pursued his education at the University of Edinburgh.

Louis quickly became a symbol of primogeniture when he was born, as he would eventually inherit the family estate.

Primogeniture is a traditional rule that favors male heirs over their female counterparts.

However, the rules were altered in the Succession to the Crown Act of 2013, which prevents any younger brother born after that date from superseding an older sister’s inheritance rights.

Although this change applies to the British royal family, the Spencer family still adheres to the old tradition.

Lady Kitty Spencer, the eldest daughter, shared her thoughts on primogeniture, acknowledging the shifting attitudes surrounding the topic.

She expressed confidence in her younger brother’s ability to fulfill his future role as the 10th Earl Spencer, stating, “We’ve grown up understanding that it’s Louis to inherit, and Louis will do an incredible job.”

In 2015, Princess Diana’s brother, the current Earl Spencer, also voiced his support for the tradition, explaining that while he would be open to Kitty inheriting, it would go against the long-standing customs associated with the title.

The impressive Althorp estate, constructed in 1508, spans 100,000 square feet and features 90 rooms, breathtaking grounds, and a portrait gallery.

The Spencer family also owns properties in London, Norfolk, Warwickshire, and South Africa.

Following his appearance at Prince Harry’s wedding in 2018, Louis Spencer captured the attention of many, sparking curiosity about his relationship status.

Even award-winning singer Nicki Minaj became a fan after meeting him in London and shared their encounter on Instagram, jokingly suggesting that he wanted to marry her.

Fans describe Louis as a reserved individual and a talented actor, adding to his allure.

Princess Diana’s last will and testament not only shed light on the complexities of her inheritance but also revealed the extensive family connections that Prince William and Prince Harry possess.

From her aristocratic upbringing to the future prospects of the Althorp estate, the legacy of Princess Diana continues to captivate the world.

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