The late Queen Mother had meticulously planned the financial future of her great-grandchildren, the Prince of Wales and the Duke of Sussex, even before her passing 22 years ago.
Following her demise in 2002, reports suggest that the Duke of Sussex received a significant share of her estate.
This strategic allocation sets the stage for a divergence in inheritance between the two princes, with Prince William poised to inherit substantial royal assets upon ascending the throne, highlighting the disparity in their financial outlooks.
Rumors swirl around the Duke of Sussex being the primary beneficiary of approximately two-thirds of the Queen Mother’s estimated £70 million fortune, secured in a trust fund designated for her great-grandchildren.
As the first in line for the throne, the Prince of Wales stands to gain additional royal resources and assets upon his eventual reign.
In contrast, the Duke of Sussex, positioned lower in the royal hierarchy as the fifth in line to the throne, receives a proportionate share reflective of his place in the succession line.
Upon the Queen Mother’s passing, Queen Elizabeth II inherited an estate valued between £50-70 million, as per Buckingham Palace records.
The Queen Mother directed her entire estate, predominantly comprising the contents of her residences, to Queen Elizabeth II.
Specific bequests were outlined for her staff members in her will, subject to inheritance tax regulations, while the royal collection received valuable artworks and photographs.
Following the adjustment of Diana’s initial £12 million bequest to her sons to £8.5 million due to estate taxes, the funds continued to grow under royal oversight, eventually exceeding £20 million.
Both the Duke of Sussex and the Prince of Wales gained access to their inheritance in their twenties.
Notably, the Sussexes utilized a portion of these funds to initiate their new chapter in the United States in 2020, post their withdrawal from royal duties and departure from the royal family, securing a mortgage of £8.3 million and investing in a lavish California property worth £12.8 million.
Diana’s £17 million divorce settlement encompassed various personal assets, including jewellery, apparel, stocks, shares, and cash reserves.
While royal wills typically remain confidential, executors opted to disclose both the original and revised versions of Diana’s will, following a court-issued variation order a few months after her demise in 1997.
As the intricate web of royal finances and inheritances unravels, the dynamics of wealth distribution within the British royal family come to light, showcasing the meticulous planning and strategic foresight employed by the late Queen Mother in shaping the financial destinies of her descendants.
The legacies left behind by previous generations continue to shape the financial landscapes of the royals, underscoring the complexities and nuances embedded within the realm of royal inheritances.