In an unexpected turn of events, Louis Spencer, the nephew of the late Princess Diana, is set to inherit the historic Althorp Estate where the Princess spent her childhood. This means that Princess Diana’s sons, Princes William and Harry, will not inherit their mother’s former home as part of their legacy.
The Althorp Estate, a vast property located in Northamptonshire, England, will be passed down to Louis Spencer, the 30-year-old nephew of Princess Diana, instead of her sons.
The Spencer family has owned the Althorp Estate since 1508. The estate, which covers around 13,500 acres, includes a 90-room primary residence, a portrait gallery, a lake, and various other buildings. It also serves as Princess Diana’s final resting place.
Upon Princess Diana’s untimely death in a car accident in Paris in 1997, her sons inherited her personal wealth, estimated at around $18 million, along with a vast collection of jewelry. However, the Althorp Estate is set to follow a different inheritance route, one that adheres to the aristocratic tradition of primogeniture.
Earl Charles Spencer, brother of Princess Diana and the current owner of Althorp, has been looking after the estate since the early 1990s. His firstborn son, Louis Spencer, Viscount Althorp, is next in line to become the 10th Earl Spencer and inherit the family’s estate, even though he has three older sisters.
The inheritance plan follows the age-old practice of primogeniture, which involves passing down titles and properties to the eldest male heir. This tradition has stirred discussions around gender equality, with some advocating for its abolishment. However, the Spencer family seems intent on preserving this custom.
When asked about the inheritance arrangement, Lady Kitty Spencer, Louis’ eldest sister, told Town and Country magazine: “Primogeniture can be a tricky topic, because as times are changing, attitudes are as well. We’ve grown up understanding that it’s Louis’ to inherit, and Louis will do an incredible job.”
Louis Spencer, unlike his more well-known sisters, has largely stayed out of the public eye. After earning his degree from the University of Edinburgh, he pursued a career in acting, studying at the ArtsEd drama school in Chiswick, London. He is known to perform under the stage name Louis John Lyons.
Despite his desire for a private life, Louis has actively begun preparing for his future role. As reported by Sky News, the young actor has started attending trustee meetings to familiarize himself with the inheritance process.
Earl Charles Spencer commented on the inheritance decision: “He has been to trustees’ meetings when he can. I don’t want to burden him, it’s a lot. I would be totally relaxed about Kitty inheriting it, but…if I chose Kitty, it would be against all the tradition that goes with Althorp.”
The Althorp Estate holds immense sentimental value for Princes William and Harry. Not only was it their mother’s childhood home, but it also serves as her burial place. Princess Diana is interred on an island within a decorative lake on the estate’s grounds.
Although the princes will not inherit Althorp, they have been active in preserving their mother’s memory and continuing her legacy through various charitable initiatives. The Diana Award, established in 1999, forms a crucial part of this effort, recognizing young individuals who bring about positive changes in their communities.
The future of Althorp under Louis Spencer’s supervision is yet to be determined. At present, the estate is open to the public for tours, allowing visitors to explore its rich history and pay tribute to Princess Diana’s memory. As Louis prepares to assume this significant responsibility, he will be tasked with preserving not only his family’s heritage but also a crucial part of British history.
This inheritance situation adds a new chapter to the ongoing narrative of Princess Diana’s legacy, showcasing how aristocratic traditions continue to shape the future of historic estates in contemporary Britain. As Louis Spencer prepares to take on his role as the future Earl Spencer, he will bear the responsibility of his family’s history and the continued public fascination with the celebrated “People’s Princess.”