Why Prince Philip's will was sealed for 90 years after his death
The Duke of Edinburgh died on April 9 in 2021 at the age of 99At the time of Prince Philip‘s death, it was claimed that his will would remain secret for at least 90 years.
In 2021, London’s High Court ruled that the will of the late Duke of Edinburgh would stay sealed until at least 2111.
So why was the decision made? Here’s everything you need to know…
Prince Philip will sealed for 90 years at time of his death
After his death on April 9, 2021, it was announced that Prince Philip’s will would remain sealed for 90 years.
That meant that the contents of his last will and testament won’t be public knowledge until the next century.
According to previous reports, the majority of the prince’s estate had been left to his wife Queen Elizabeth II.
He reportedly left three of his key staff members money as well as his grandchildren – including Prince Harry, who has become estranged from the royal family since stepping back from his senior royal role.
An insider claimed Philip “never held a grudge” and wasn’t the sort of person to “punish a grandson for misbehaving”.
A private process will take place in 90 years to decide if it can become unsealed. After 90 years, the monarch’s private solicitor can open the royal will and examine it.
They will then decide whether the will may be made public at that stage, but some royal wills may never be published, even in part.
Why is Prince Philip’s will sealed?
The will of Prince Philip will stay sealed to maintain the monarchy’s “dignity” and “standing”.
The UK High Court’s most senior family judge Andrew McFarlane said in 2021 that it is “convention” that, after the death of a senior member of the royal family, the courts are asked to seal their wills.
McFarlane wrote in his ruling that the decision answers the “need to enhance the protection” and “maintain the dignity of the Sovereign” and her/his family.
In fact, it is not unusual for a senior royal to have their will sealed.
The first royal family member to have their will sealed was Prince Francis of Teck. He was the younger brother of Queen Mary, wife of King George V.
The most recent royals to have their wills sealed include Queen Elizabeth II, who died in 2022, Elizabeth the Queen Mother, and the late queen’s sister Princess Margaret.
When did Prince Philip die?
The Duke of Edinburgh died on April 9, 2021, at Windsor Castle aged 99. It’s said the queen was by his bedside. His death certificate confirmed he died of old age.
Philip had endured some health issues in his final years. He spent many days in hospital before his death.
Read more: Longstanding royal rule prevented Prince Philip being called King – but Queen Camilla isn’t affected
His funeral took place on April 17, 2021, at St George’s Chapel in Windsor. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a limited guest list. Only 30 people, including family members and close friends, attended.
What do you think of this story? Leave us a comment on our Facebook page.
