Recent revelations from Meghan Markle's camp purported a disparity in the inheritance distribution between Prince Harry and his brother, Prince William.
Allegedly, Prince Harry received a larger portion of the inheritance from their great-grandmother, Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother, who passed away in 2002, leaving behind an estate valued at approximately £70 million. This estate, including valuable assets and properties, was bequeathed to her daughter, Queen Elizabeth II, in 1994.
Reports suggest that a significant portion of the Queen Mother's fortune, about two-thirds, was directed into a trust fund intended for her great-grandchildren, with Prince Harry supposedly being the primary beneficiary of this trust, receiving a more substantial share compared to Prince William.
The discrepancy in inheritance allocation is believed to stem from differences in the princes' future financial prospects. As the first in line to the throne, Prince William stands to inherit substantial royal assets and resources upon ascending the throne, while Prince Harry, positioned further down the line of succession as the youngest sibling and fifth in line to the throne, may have received a larger share upfront due to his lower position in the succession line.
However, the Palace denied these claims, asserting that neither Prince Harry nor Prince William received an inheritance from the late Queen Mother. The documentation regarding the inheritance distribution is said to be sealed, leaving the actual details undisclosed to the public. Meghan Markle's spokespersons' assertions were refuted by the Palace, suggesting that the claims might be exaggerated or unfounded.
In 2002, amidst speculation and pressure, the Palace revealed some details of the Queen Mother's will, which had initially been kept confidential. It was disclosed that many items from the Queen Mother's private art collection, including a Monet and Fabergé eggs, were being transferred to the Royal Collection, held in trust for the nation.
Contrary to rumors, it was clarified that the entirety of the Queen Mother's estate passed to Prince Charles upon Queen Elizabeth II's death, and Prince Harry received nothing from it. Additionally, the assets placed into trust years before the Queen Mother's passing were safeguarded from debts and taxes, and Queen Elizabeth II personally settled any outstanding debts, ensuring the estate's financial stability.
Despite rumors suggesting extravagant spending and significant debts left behind by the Queen Mother, the truth remains that her estate was managed responsibly, with appropriate measures taken to preserve its integrity and fulfill any financial obligations. While the specifics of her will remain sealed for the foreseeable future, informal requests or letters she may have left, particularly to Prince Charles, could provide insights into her wishes and intentions regarding her estate.
