26 Jun NEITHER PRINCE WILLIAM nor HARRY WILL INHERIT PRINCESS DIANA’S CHILDHOOD HOME
The Althorp Estate, Princess Diana’s childhood home and final resting place, will likely be inherited by her nephew Louis Spencer, instead of her children, Prince Harry and Prince William.
The family estate has been owned by the Spencer family since 1508, and it is presently run by Diana’s brother, Charles Spencer.

The 90-room home that is over 100,000 square feet, covering 13,000 acres, located in Northampton, U.K., will likely pass to Louis due to the ancient system of male primogeniture whereby Althrop and the title of Earl Spencer pass to the first-born male heir. Louis Spencer has 3 older sisters. He would be the 10th Earl Spencer if he survives his father, Charles Spencer.
Charles Spencer is the younger brother of Princess Diana, but he inherited Althorp due to male primogeniture. Louis Spencer is the only son of Charles.
Although Harry and William do not own Althorp, they are permitted to visit their famous mom’s burial space whenever they want.
If Louis predeceased his father, Althorp would be inherited by Louis’ closest male heir. If Louis has no male children, the title and estate would pass to his oldest male relative – potentially a cousin or other oldest male relative (Prince William and Harry are first cousins). Louis is a 30-year-old actor who is not married and has no children.
As society changes, will tradition be challenged? It remains to be seen.
In response to the old English practice of holding title to real estate that could not be freely transferred outside the family bloodline and wealthy landowners keeping land title held by their family in perpetuity, an English court developed what is known as the “Rule against Perpetuities” in 1682. Pursuant to common law under this rule, no interest is good unless it vests, not later than a life or life in being plus 21 years after the death of the landowner. This was recently changed by our state legislature so that an interest is good for 300 years.
Althorp was held in trust prior to the court creation of the “Rule against Perpetuities”.
If interested in learning more about this article or other estate planning, Medicaid and public benefits planning, probate, etc., attend one of our free upcoming Estate Planning Essentials workshops by clicking here or calling 214-720-0102. We make it simple to attend and it is without obligation.