The News
Prince Harry’s Inheritance: Waiting Longer Than Diana’s Wishes
Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, found himself waiting longer than his late mother, Princess Diana, had intended for him to receive his inheritance.
The poignant story dates back to the tragic loss of Princess Diana when Harry was just 12 years old.
Diana, who had meticulously outlined her final wishes before her untimely passing, had specific plans for her beloved sons' futures.
In her will, signed in 1993 and later amended in 1996, Princess Diana allocated special items and assets to her sons, Prince William and Prince Harry.
Among these cherished possessions was a significant piece that played a role in Prince William's proposal to Kate Middleton.
The document designated Diana's mother, Frances Ruth Shand Kidd, and her sister, Lady Elizabeth Sarah Lavinia McCorquodale, as co-executors and trustees of her estate.
Princess Diana's heartfelt intentions were for the majority of her estate to be divided between William and Harry, with additional provisions for her 17 godchildren and a generous sum allocated to her loyal butler, Paul Burrell.
Notably, Diana had envisioned a trust fund that William and Harry could access upon reaching the age of 25.
However, adjustments made by Diana's mother and sister following her passing altered the age requirement to 30 for the princes to inherit their shares.
One of the most iconic items earmarked for the princes was Diana's exquisite wedding dress from her 1981 marriage to Prince Charles.
The gown, featuring intricate details such as thousands of pearls and a majestic 25-foot train, was meant to be a gift to Harry and William once Harry reached the age of 30.
After being showcased in various exhibitions worldwide, the dress was eventually returned to her sons in 2014, along with other cherished mementos.
Earl Spencer, Diana's brother, had safeguarded these precious belongings over the years.
The symbolic dress, which also served as a fundraising attraction for the Princess of Wales Memorial Fund during a US exhibition, garnered admiration from audiences globally.
Designer David Emanuel reflected on the enduring legacy of the gown, noting its extensive travels and ongoing resonance with admirers around the world.
As time passes, Princess Diana's legacy continues to captivate hearts and minds, with her final wishes and personal effects serving as poignant reminders of her enduring impact on those she loved and the world at large.