In a recent twist of events, claims have emerged suggesting that Prince Harry received a substantial inheritance windfall compared to his brother, Prince William.
However, the palace has swiftly refuted these assertions, asserting that both princes were not beneficiaries of any inheritance from the late Queen.
According to sources close to Meghan Markle, Prince Harry supposedly secured a larger share of the inheritance from their great-grandmother, the Queen Mother.
This revelation sheds light on a potential disparity in the distribution of assets following the Queen Mother’s passing in 2002.
The estate of the Queen Mother, estimated to be valued at approximately £70 million, encompassed a myriad of valuable assets and properties that were passed down to her daughter, Queen Elizabeth II.
Notably, in 1994, the Queen Mother allocated a significant portion of her fortune into a trust fund earmarked for her great-grandchildren.
Speculations indicate that Prince Harry emerged as the primary beneficiary of this trust, receiving a more substantial portion compared to Prince William.
The apparent discrepancy in the allocation of inheritance can be attributed to the divergent future financial trajectories of the two princes.
With Prince William positioned as the direct successor to the throne, his prospects for inheriting substantial royal assets and resources are considerably higher than those of Prince Harry, who ranks fifth in line to the throne.
This inherent contrast likely played a pivotal role in determining the distribution of the inheritance, despite claims made by Meghan’s associates that have been contested by palace insiders.
In a bid to shed light on the matter, Buckingham Palace succumbed to mounting pressure in 2002 and disclosed the outlines of the Queen Mother’s will, which had recently been subject to legal battles in the High Court to maintain confidentiality.
Notably, an arrangement brokered with John Major’s government ensured that the Queen would not be liable for inheritance tax on her mother’s estate, valued between £50-70 million.
Moreover, it was revealed that several items from the Queen Mother’s private art collection, including prized possessions like a Monet and Fabergé eggs, were slated for transfer to the Royal Collection, held in trust for the nation.
Contrary to speculations surrounding the magnitude of Prince Harry’s inheritance, reports suggest that the sum he received from the trust might not have been as substantial as previously purported.
The intricacies of the Queen Mother’s financial legacy come into focus when considering the debts she left behind upon her passing in 2002.
Despite her opulent lifestyle characterized by extravagant expenditures on luxury items and entertainment, the extent of her debts exceeded £7 million, painting a stark contrast to her perceived wealth.
However, it is essential to note that the entirety of the Queen Mother’s estate ultimately passed to Prince Charles, leaving Prince Harry with no direct inheritance from her assets.
As the saga surrounding the inheritance saga unfolds, the sealed nature of the Queen Mother’s will continues to shroud the true extent of the financial arrangements in secrecy.
While rumors persist regarding the allocation of assets, the palace maintains that the formal documentation remains confidential, dispelling any notions of preferential treatment in the inheritance distribution among the royal family members.