The News
Prince Harry Furious as Prince William Inherits Diana’s Home Alongside His Cousin
The world was left in mourning when the beloved Princess Diana tragically passed away in a devastating car accident in August 1997 at the young age of not even 36.
Many wondered about the late Princess of Wales' will, and it turns out, she did indeed have one.
Let's delve into what Princess Diana's estate plan entailed and who ended up inheriting what.
You may be surprised to discover that the royal princess's estate plan wasn't as straightforward as one might assume.
In her will, Princess Diana included herself, which raised questions about who else might have been mentioned in this significant document.
As expected, her two sons, Prince William and Prince Harry, were named as the primary heirs.
Additionally, her favorite butler Paul Burrell and her 17 godchildren were also listed as beneficiaries in the will.
It's essential to designate executors or trustees when setting up an estate plan to ensure that your assets are distributed according to your wishes.
The Honorable Frances Ruth Shand Kidd, Princess Diana's mother, and the Lady Elizabeth Sarah Lavinia McCorquodale, her sister, were appointed as executors and trustees in her will.
The total value of Princess Diana's estate was estimated to be £21,711,485 by the High Court of Justice of England, which translates to over $30 million in United States dollars.
However, after accounting for inheritance taxes, the net worth of the estate was reduced to approximately $17 million.
Following the approval from the High Court of Justice of England, Princess Diana's estate was divided according to her specified instructions in her will.
Some of the notable allocations included a £50,000 bequest to her butler Paul Burrell, sentimental items like pictures, paintings, and china to her 17 godchildren, and her entire wardrobe along with around $1.4 million donated to a fund, which also encompassed her iconic bridal gown.
Prince William and Prince Harry, alongside their respective families and certain charities, were beneficiaries of the fund.
Additionally, any proceeds generated from the authorized use of Princess Diana's likeness in commercial ventures were directed towards these charitable organizations.
The two princes equally shared the remaining property owned by Princess Diana, gaining access to their inheritance upon her passing at the age of 36, with access to the trust funds' earnings granted at the age of 25.
Princess Diana's legendary wedding dress from her 1981 royal wedding at St. Paul's Cathedral captured the hearts of millions worldwide with its grandeur and elegance.
The dress, designed by David and Elizabeth Emanuel, featured a 25-foot train, over 10,000 pearls, and intricate hand-embroidery.
While the iconic gown is now part of the princes' inheritance, the display of this historic piece remains uncertain.
However, several of Princess Diana's renowned jewelry pieces were passed down to the princes when Prince Harry reached the age of 30.
Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge and wife of Prince William, is occasionally seen wearing some of Princess Diana's exquisite jewels, keeping the memory of the beloved princess alive through her cherished possessions.