Prince Harry is preparing to celebrate his 40th birthday on September 15th, and there is much speculation surrounding a potential inheritance from his great-grandmother, Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother.
Reports suggest that Harry might receive a significant financial benefit from a trust fund established by the Queen Mother before her death in 2002. According to The Times UK, the Queen Mother created a trust fund valued at $90 million for her descendants. Her will reportedly included specific provisions for her grandsons, Prince Harry and Prince William. The trust allocated £4 million (approximately $18 million) to be divided equally between the two brothers.
However, an unnamed source informed The Times that Prince Harry might receive a larger portion compared to his older brother, Prince William. The source indicated that while Prince William will benefit from the substantial wealth of the Duchy of Cornwall, a private estate that supports the heir to the throne, Prince Harry's inheritance could potentially exceed his brother’s share. It is estimated that Harry might receive slightly more than $7 million, approximately $9 million, based on the latest evaluations.
As of now, Prince Harry’s net worth is estimated at around $60 million, while Prince William's net worth is approximately $100 million. Much of Prince William’s wealth stems from the Duchy of Cornwall, which funds his public, charitable, and private activities. In contrast, Prince Harry's net worth includes his inheritance from Princess Diana, which amounted to $10 million after taxes.
Since stepping back from royal duties and relocating to California in 2020, Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan Markle, have significantly increased their wealth through various lucrative deals. Their agreements with Netflix and Spotify, along with a multi-book deal with Penguin Random House reportedly worth $35 to $40 million, have greatly contributed to their financial success. Harry's memoir, "Spare," was a bestseller and is estimated to have earned him around $27 million from hardcover sales alone.
Despite these reports, there remains confusion about the actual inheritance Prince Harry might receive from the Queen Mother’s estate. Official statements from the Royal Family’s website and confirmations from Forbes Magazine in 2021 suggest that Prince Harry is not a beneficiary of the Queen Mother’s fortune. It is reported that the Queen Mother's estate primarily went to Queen Elizabeth II. Additional accounts indicate that the Queen Mother passed away with debts estimated between $1 to $4 million, due to her extravagant lifestyle, which included a stable of racehorses, priceless artworks, and opulent living expenses. Her financial situation required assistance from Queen Elizabeth and King Charles.
Given the complexity surrounding the Queen Mother’s estate and the reported debts, it seems unlikely that Prince Harry would receive a substantial inheritance from this source. The narrative of Harry receiving money may appear strategically timed to boost his public appeal, especially considering recent personal and professional developments. In summary, while speculation about Prince Harry’s inheritance continues, official sources and historical financial issues related to the Queen Mother’s estate cast doubt on the validity of these claims.
