Prince Harry and Prince William, who inherited a significant portion of their late mother Princess Diana's belongings after her tragic death, will not be inheriting her childhood home, Althorp Estate.
Instead, this historic property will pass to their cousin, Louis Spencer, Viscount Althorp. This surprising decision regarding inheritance is deeply rooted in the British aristocratic system of primogeniture, which traditionally favors the eldest male heir.
Princess Diana met with a tragic demise in a car crash in Paris on August 31st, 1997, a calamity that also claimed the lives of her driver, Henri Paul, and her boyfriend, Dodi Fayed. In the wake of this devastating event, Diana's sons, Harry and William, inherited the bulk of her £13 million fortune along with a significant collection of jewelry. However, Althorp Estate, which has been in the Spencer family since 1508, adheres strictly to the tradition of passing down to the oldest male heir. Thus, despite having three older sisters, the estate will bypass them in favor of Louis Spencer, the son of Diana's brother, Earl Charles Spencer.
The estate holds immense emotional significance as it was where Diana spent much of her childhood and where she was laid to rest. Eventually, it will become Louis's responsibility. The sprawling property opens its doors to visitors each summer, offering a glimpse into the late princess's early life.
Louis Spencer, who pursued studies at the University of Edinburgh and received training at a drama school in Chiswick, London, is currently carving his path as an actor, represented by the Tavistock Wood talent agency. Known for his preference for a low profile, he quietly focuses on his endeavors. Despite his reserved nature, those close to him commend his talent and predict a promising future in acting.
Kitty Spencer, Louis's older sister, has publicly supported the tradition of primogeniture despite its implications for her own inheritance. Speaking to Town and Country magazine, she expressed confidence in her brother's ability to manage the estate, acknowledging the evolving attitudes towards such traditions.
This adherence to traditional inheritance practices leaves Harry and William without a claim to Althorp despite its historical significance as Diana's childhood home and final resting place. However, it underscores the enduring customs within British aristocracy, where lineage and gender often dictate the passage of property and titles.
Louis's involvement with the estate has already commenced as he attends trustee meetings in preparation for his future responsibilities. His discreet approach contrasts with the high-profile public lives of his royal cousins. In 2019, Tatler magazine named him one of the top eligible bachelors, bringing him into the public eye following his appearance at the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.
Various rumors have circulated on social media regarding Meghan Markle's interactions with the Spencer family concerning Althorp Estate. One speculated that Meghan contacted Princess Diana's brother, Charles Spencer, to discuss the possibility of inheriting the house upon his death, a request reportedly declined, leaving Meghan disappointed. Another alleged that Meghan was banned from the estate after an incident during a visit to Diana's grave, although the veracity of these rumors remains uncertain.
Despite these rumors, the Spencer family remains steadfast in their adherence to traditional inheritance practices, ensuring that Althorp Estate will continue its legacy under Louis Spencer, maintaining the customs that have shaped British aristocracy for centuries.
