Why Prince William and Prince Harry won’t inherit Princess Diana’s family estate

Despite their deep personal connection to the Althorp Estate—Princess Diana’s childhood home and final resting place—Princes William and Harry will not inherit the historic property.

Spanning over 13,000 acres in Northamptonshire, Althorp has belonged to the Spencer family since 1508. Diana spent much of her youth there, and following her death in 1997, she was buried on a small island in the estate’s Oval Lake.

Though it holds great sentimental value for her sons, the estate follows a very different inheritance path.

Althorp is currently managed by Diana’s brother, Charles Spencer, the 9th Earl Spencer. Under the tradition of male primogeniture, the estate will pass to his only son, Louis Spencer, Viscount Althorp—bypassing both William and Harry, as well as Louis’s three older sisters: Lady Kitty, Lady Eliza, and Lady Amelia.

In interviews, Charles Spencer acknowledged that the custom may seem outdated, but said it remains an important part of preserving the Spencer family legacy.

“If I chose Kitty, it would be against all the tradition that goes with Althorp,” he told The Mail on Sunday. “It’s just the way it is.”

Lady Kitty Spencer supported the decision, telling Tatler in 2015:

“I like that the house stays within the same family, with the same surname. I wouldn’t want it any other way for the Spencers.”

Louis Spencer, who will one day become the 10th Earl Spencer, has largely stayed out of the spotlight but is reportedly pursuing a career in acting. Despite his low profile, he stands to inherit one of Britain’s most storied aristocratic estates.

Although they won’t inherit the property, William and Harry remain deeply connected to Althorp. Diana’s grave, located on a secluded island surrounded by water, is not open to the public, allowing the princes to visit in peace, People reported.

Charles Spencer once shared that it brings him comfort knowing his nephews can visit privately: “It is, luckily, very tranquil here, and they can come and go as they wish... that’s very lovely for me to know.”

In his 2023 memoir Spare, Prince Harry recalled visiting the site on the 25th anniversary of Diana’s passing, bringing Meghan Markle for the first time:

“At long last, I was bringing the girl of my dreams home to meet Mum.”

While Diana’s grave remains private, a separate memorial and parts of the estate—such as a Princess Diana exhibition—are open to visitors during the summer months.

When Princess Diana died in 1997, her sons inherited an estimated £21 million, which included:

Among the most iconic pieces is Diana’s sapphire engagement ring, now worn by Kate Middleton. Several other jewellery items from Diana’s collection have also been passed on to and worn by Meghan Markle.