The long-anticipated reading of Queen Elizabeth's last will and testament has finally occurred, sending shockwaves through the royal family and the world at large.
Contrary to widespread speculation, the late monarch did not leave her estranged grandson, Prince Harry, any portion of her vast personal fortune. This decision is expected to exacerbate the already significant rift between him and the rest of the royal family. Sources indicate that Prince Harry feels deeply betrayed and utterly devastated.
The 38-year-old prince is reportedly livid and struggling to come to terms with what he perceives as his grandmother's apparent rejection. He had always believed that the Queen adored him and would ensure his financial security, even after he and his wife, Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, stepped back from their royal duties and relocated to California in 2020. A source close to the prince stated, "Harry is absolutely gutted to discover she left him with nothing. He really believed he and Meghan would be taken care of and that the family would always support them. This has crushed him."
The Queen's will, read to her closest family members last week, reportedly bequeathed the bulk of her estimated $365 million (£450 million) personal wealth to her sons, Prince Charles and Prince Andrew, and her daughter, Princess Anne. Smaller amounts were allocated to various charities and distant royal relatives. The notable omission of any inheritance for Harry and Meghan is seen as a final posthumous rebuke of their decision to leave their royal responsibilities and relocate to California. Royal biographer Lady Colin Campbell explained, "In her mind, they turned their backs on the monarchy and everything she dedicated her life to. This was her way of showing them that there are consequences for that kind of betrayal."
Buckingham Palace has not officially commented on the contents of the Queen's will, but sources say Harry is furious about the outcome. According to reports, he stormed out of the private reading, declaring that his grandmother had torn his family apart and vowing to contest the will in court. Insiders reveal that Harry feels betrayed by the institution he once trusted. He saw the Queen as a mother figure and is struggling to understand why she would "pull the rug out from under him," even in death. This decision has also intensified the rift between Harry and his older brother, Prince William, the new Prince of Wales. William and his wife, Kate, are rumored to have received a significant financial boost from the Queen's estate, further straining their relationship.
Royal watchers say Harry is now in a precarious position both emotionally and financially. With no inheritance from the Queen and his and Meghan's business ventures reportedly struggling, the couple could face an uncertain future. Lady Campbell noted, "Harry has always relied on the royal family's wealth and privilege. Now that the purse strings have been cut, he's going to have to learn to fend for himself." Representatives for the Sussexes have hinted that Harry might challenge the Queen's will in court, claiming it was written under duress or is otherwise invalid. However, legal experts believe such a move would be challenging and unlikely to succeed. Royal historian Dr. Orion Sand said, "The Queen's will was almost certainly drafted by top legal minds and scrutinized extensively. Unless Harry can produce compelling evidence of foul play, his case will be very difficult to prove."
For now, Prince Harry appears to have retreated from public life, making no appearances or statements since the will's reading. Friends say he is devastated and trying to come to terms with the Queen's apparent final rejection. "He's really crushed," the insider shared. "He believed he and Meghan would be taken care of and that the family would always have their backs. Now he's facing an uncertain future without the financial cushion and prestige he has always known."
