An unexpected family member is poised to inherit a significant piece of royal history – the sprawling Althorp Estate where Princess Diana spent her formative years. This development means that Diana’s sons, Princes William and Harry, will not be receiving their mother’s childhood home as part of their inheritance.
The property will be passed down to Louis Spencer, the 30-year-old nephew of the late Princess.
The Althorp Estate, located in Northamptonshire, England has been in the Spencer family since 1508 and currently serves as the final resting place of Princess Diana. The property, which spans approximately 13,500 acres, includes a main house with 90 rooms, a portrait gallery, a lake, and various other structures.
When Princess Diana tragically died in a car crash in Paris in 1997, her sons inherited her personal fortune, estimated at £13 million, along with an extensive collection of jewelry. However, the Althorp Estate is set to follow a different path, adhering to the aristocratic tradition of primogeniture.
Earl Charles Spencer, Diana’s brother and the current custodian of Althorp, has been maintaining the estate since the early 1990s. His eldest son, Louis Spencer, Viscount Althorp, is now in line to become the 10th Earl Spencer and inherit the family seat, despite having three older sisters.
This inheritance plan follows the centuries-old practice of primogeniture, where titles and properties are passed down to the eldest male heir. The tradition has sparked debates around gender equality, with some calling for its end. However, the Spencer family appears committed to upholding this custom.
Lady Kitty Spencer, Louis’ eldest sister, shared her perspective on the inheritance arrangement 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.”
Unlike his more publicly visible sisters, Louis Spencer has maintained a relatively low profile. After graduating from the University of Edinburgh, he pursued a career in acting, studying at the ArtsEd drama school in Chiswick, London. He reportedly performs under the stage name Louis John Lyons.
Despite his preference for privacy, Louis has been actively preparing 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 has expressed 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 holds significant sentimental value for Princes William and Harry, as it was not only their mother’s childhood home but also became her final resting place. Princess Diana is buried on an island in an ornamental lake on the estate grounds.
While the princes may not inherit Althorp, they have been working to preserve their mother’s memory and continue her legacy through various charitable initiatives. The Diana Award, established in 1999, remains a key part of this effort, recognizing young people who create positive change in their communities.
The future of Althorp under Louis Spencer’s stewardship remains to be seen. Currently, the estate is open to the public for tours, allowing visitors to explore its rich history and pay respects to Princess Diana’s memory. As Louis prepares to take on this significant 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 another chapter to the ongoing story of Princess Diana’s legacy, demonstrating how aristocratic traditions continue to shape the future of historic estates in modern Britain. As Louis Spencer steps into his role as the future Earl Spencer, he will carry the weight of his family’s history and the enduring public interest in all things related to the beloved “People’s Princess.”
