Why Prince William and Prince Harry won’t inherit Princess Diana’s childhood home
Princess Diana moved to Althorp at the age of 14
Princess Diana’s childhood home, where she spent most of her formative years, has been in the Spencer family for 500 years. But it reportedly won’t be passed down to her children, despite their royal lineage.
In fact, Prince William and Prince Harry shouldn’t expect to get their hands on Althorp Estate – this is why…
Princess Diana’s childhood home
Althorp, in Northamptonshire, a region between Cambridge and Birmingham, hosted the future princess for many family holidays before she was moved permanently to the sprawling grounds aged 14.
Diana shared her home with her siblings, Charles Spencer, Lady Sarah, and Lady Jane Spencer.
Despite Diana’s eventual rise in the social chain, her children, Princes William and Harry, aren’t heirs to Althorp.
Instead, it will go to William and Harry’s cousin, Louis Spencer, Viscount Althorp.
Who will inherit Althorp Estate?
Louis, 31, Charles Spencer’s son, will one day be the owner of Diana’s family home.
Princess Diana’s brother, Charles, is the 9th Earl Spencer and will pass down the property to his only son.
Louis does have three older sisters, but the system for passing on titles of nobility means that the property would be given to Charles’ first son, not his first child.
Louis grew up in Cape Town, South Africa, and lives a life away from the spotlight. Despite his acting career, a source close to the Spencers told The Telegraph that Louis is “very discreet and gets by quietly”.
They added: “He’s a very talented actor and, I think, will be brilliant.”
Louis’ sister, Kitty Spencer, previously revealed to OK! that Louis is already taking part in management meetings at the estate.
Inside Princess Diana’s family home
Althorp is now available to rent according to Elysian Estates, a luxury equivalent of Airbnb.
The listing states: “Althorp offers unparalleled levels of service, privacy and luxury that rival the world’s finest estates, while retaining the welcoming, home-like atmosphere that makes Althorp so special.”
The huge home boasts more than 26 bedrooms, in-house catering, a marquee that holds 500 guests, and a function space for 250 people.
Princess Diana’s childhood home is also the home of priceless works of art, such as pieces by Anthony van Dyck, Gainsborough, and Sir Joshua Reynolds.
The house is a Grade I listed building and has attracted many admirers over the years.
These include the then Prince of Wales. Charles met Princess Diana at the house for the first time in the 1970s.
Madonna and Guy Ritchie were even charmed by Althorp and considered it for their wedding venue in 2000, before choosing Skibo Castle in Scotland instead.
Not only is the Althorp estate full of memories for the Spencer family, it is also where Princess Diana was laid to rest. Her private grave is situated on a small island on the grounds, named The Oval.
So, what do you think? Have you visited Althorp? Let us know by leaving a comment on our Facebook page and let us know. We want to hear your thoughts!
