An unexpected turn of events has led to Louis Spencer, Princess Diana’s nephew, being positioned to inherit a consequential piece of royal history – the extensive Althorp Estate where Princess Diana lived during her early years. This means that Diana’s sons, Princes William and Harry, will not inherit their mother’s childhood home.
Louis Spencer, who is the late Princess’s 30-year-old nephew, will inherit the property.
The Althorp Estate, situated in Northamptonshire, England, has been a part of the Spencer family since 1508. It currently serves as the burial site of Princess Diana. The estate, which covers about 13,500 acres, features a main house with 90 rooms, a portrait gallery, a lake, and various other structures.
Following the tragic death of Princess Diana in a car accident in Paris in 1997, her sons inherited her personal wealth, estimated at £13 million (around $17.5 million), along with a vast collection of jewelry. However, the Althorp Estate will follow the aristocratic tradition of primogeniture.
Diana’s brother and the current guardian of Althorp, Earl Charles Spencer, has been managing the estate since the early 1990s. His eldest son, Louis Spencer, Viscount Althorp, is now set to become the 10th Earl Spencer and inherit the family home, despite having three older sisters.
This inheritance plan follows the old practice of primogeniture, where titles and properties are handed down to the first-born male heir. This tradition has sparked discussions about gender equality, with some advocating for its abolition. However, the Spencer family has chosen to uphold this custom.
Regarding the inheritance arrangement, Louis’ eldest sister, Lady Kitty Spencer, shared her viewpoint with Town and Country magazine: “Primogeniture can be a tricky topic, because as times are changing, attitudes are as well. We’ve grown up understanding that it’s Louis’ to inherit, and Louis will do an incredible job.”
Louis Spencer has kept a relatively low profile, unlike his sisters who are more public. After graduating from the University of Edinburgh, he pursued a career in acting, studying at the ArtsEd drama school in Chiswick, London. He reportedly acts under the stage name Louis John Lyons.
Despite his preference for privacy, Louis has started to prepare for his future role. According to Sky News, the young actor has begun attending trustee meetings to familiarize himself with the inheritance process.
Earl Charles Spencer voiced his thoughts on the inheritance decision: “He has been to trustees’ meetings when he can. I don’t want to burden him, it’s a lot. I would be totally relaxed about Kitty inheriting it, but…if I chose Kitty, it would be against all the tradition that goes with Althorp.”
The Althorp Estate is of significant sentimental value to Princes William and Harry as it was not only where their mother grew up, but it is also where she was laid to rest. Princess Diana is buried on an island within Round Oval Lake on the estate grounds.
Although the princes will not inherit Althorp, they have been actively working to preserve their mother’s memory and continue her legacy through various charitable initiatives. The Diana Award, established in 1999, is a key part of this effort, honoring young individuals who bring about positive change in their communities.
The future of Althorp under Louis Spencer’s management is yet to be seen. Currently, the estate is open for public tours, allowing visitors to delve into its rich history and pay respects to Princess Diana’s memory. As Louis prepares to shoulder this substantial responsibility, he will be tasked with preserving not only his family’s heritage but also an important piece of British history.
The inheritance of Althorp adds a new chapter to the continuing story of Princess Diana’s legacy, illustrating how aristocratic customs continue to influence the future of historic estates in present-day Britain. As Louis Spencer steps into his role as the future Earl Spencer, he will shoulder the burden of his family’s history and the enduring public fascination with all things related to the beloved “People’s Princess.”