Prince Harry and Prince William will not inherit Princess Diana’s childhood home, Althorp, despite being her sons. The property, located in Northamptonshire and spanning over 13,000 acres, has been in the possession of the Spencer family since 1508. Princess Diana’s father inherited the title of Earl Spencer in 1975, leading the family to move to the Althorp estate, which now serves as Diana’s final resting place. The current custodian of the estate is Charles, Earl Spencer, Diana’s brother, and upon his passing, it is set to be inherited by his son, Louis, Viscount Althorp.
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The inheritance traditions within the Spencer family follow primogeniture, where the eldest male inherits titles and properties. Despite having three older sisters – Lady Kitty, Lady Eliza, and Lady Amelia – Louis is next in line to inherit Althorp. In a 2015 interview with the Mail on Sunday, Charles expressed his acceptance of this tradition, acknowledging the complexities and strengths that come with it. Lady Kitty Spencer, Louis’ older sister, shared her perspective on this matter in a Tatler interview, stating her support for her brother to take on the responsibility.
Princess Diana’s burial site at the Althorp estate holds sentimental value for her sons, Prince William and Prince Harry. Although the site is not open to the public, Charles has mentioned his comfort in knowing that his nephews have the privilege of visiting their mother’s grave privately. The secluded location of Diana’s grave on an island in the Oval Lake provides a serene setting for the princes to pay their respects. Charles has emphasized the importance of this private space for William and Harry to connect with their mother’s memory.
Visitors to the Althorp estate have the opportunity to honour Princess Diana at a memorial dedicated to her. Prince Harry reflected on his emotional visit to Diana’s burial site in his memoir, where he described the significance of sharing that moment with his wife Meghan Markle. He highlighted the impact of the support he received from Diana’s legacy, which enabled him and Meghan to start a new chapter in California after stepping back from their royal duties in 2020.
Princess Diana’s legacy continues to resonate through her possessions, her memory, and the impact she had on her sons’ lives. Despite not inheriting Althorp, Prince Harry and Prince William embrace the opportunity to preserve their mother’s heritage and uphold her values. The Spencer family’s connection to the estate intertwines with Diana’s legacy, creating a poignant link to her life and the lasting impression she left on those who cherished her.