The recent claims about Prince Harry receiving a larger inheritance than Prince William from the Queen Mother's estate have been denied by the palace.
Reports suggested a stark contrast in the amounts each brother received, with Harry allegedly gaining a more substantial share. However, palace insiders have refuted these assertions, stating that neither prince received any inheritance from the late Queen Mother.
Sources close to Meghan Markle's camp have shed light on the matter, indicating that Prince Harry might have received a significant portion from Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother's estate, valued at approximately £7 million following her passing in 2002. This estate comprised valuable assets and properties, including items bequeathed to her daughter, Queen Elizabeth II, in 1994.
It's believed that the Queen Mother had directed a considerable portion of her fortune into a trust fund for her great-grandchildren, with Prince Harry purportedly being the primary beneficiary of this trust. This distribution discrepancy could be attributed to the divergent financial futures of the princes. Prince William, being the first in line to the throne, is poised to inherit substantial royal assets upon ascending, while Prince Harry, positioned fifth in line, holds a different financial outlook.
Despite speculations, the palace has emphasized that the documentation regarding the inheritance remains sealed, leaving the actual allocations uncertain. Reports from 2002 indicate pressure on the palace to reveal the outlines of the Queen Mother's will, which, according to The Guardian, involved assets valued between £50 to £70 million. However, due to arrangements with the government, inheritance tax was waived on the estate.
Additionally, several items from the Queen Mother's private art collection, including a Monet and Fabergé eggs, are being transferred to the Royal Collection, held in trust for the nation. Contrary to rumors, the Queen Mother's trust was estimated to be around £19 million, with multiple heirs directly related to her.
Regarding her debts, Queen Elizabeth II reportedly paid them off, ensuring that the estate remained intact. While the specifics of her will remain sealed, it's known that the entirety of her estate passed to Prince Charles. Thus, Prince Harry did not inherit directly from the Queen Mother.
