In a surprising turn of events for the Duke formerly part of the Royal Family, Princess Diana’s childhood home will not be inherited by him.
Instead, the estate is set to be passed down to a well-known cousin.
Following Diana’s tragic death in a car crash on August 31, 1997, at the age of 36, her brother, the Duke of Sussex, and the Prince of Wales, inherited most of her jewelry and the bulk of her £13 million fortune.
However, the Althorpe Estate in Northampton, which holds sentimental value as Diana’s childhood home and final resting place, dating back to the Spencer family since 1508, did not go to the brothers.
The 13,500-acre childhood property will now be inherited by Lewis Spencer, Viscount Althorpe, Diana’s 30-year-old cousin and the son of Earl Charles Spencer, her younger brother.
Due to the aristocracy’s primogeniture system, where titles and possessions are traditionally passed down to the eldest male, Lewis’s three elder sisters are not entitled to the estate.
In a recent interview, Kitty Spencer, Lewis’s 33-year-old older sister, shared her perspective on the matter.
She expressed that primogeniture can be a complex issue given the evolving times and attitudes.
She emphasized her confidence in Lewis’s capabilities and his readiness to take on the responsibility.
Anticipating his inheritance, Lewis, who prefers to maintain a low profile, has reportedly been actively participating in trustee meetings.
Despite the option of Kitty taking over, Charles Spencer, their father, acknowledged that choosing her would not align with the Althorpe heritage.
The sprawling estate, currently under Charles Spencer’s care, boasts a 90-room mansion, complete with a lake, a portrait gallery, and 28 subsidiary listed buildings encompassing various agricultural, forest, and field sports activities.
During the European summer months from July to August, the estate opens its doors to guests, offering a glimpse into its grandeur.
Described as a reserved individual who quietly goes about his business, Lewis is seen as someone who keeps to himself and focuses on his life.
There are whispers of a promising acting career ahead for him, with an anonymous source praising his demeanor and predicting a bright future.
The transition of the estate to Lewis signifies a shift in generations within the Spencer family, highlighting the adherence to traditional inheritance practices.
As the legacy of Althorpe continues under Lewis’s guardianship, the estate’s rich history and cultural significance remain preserved.