Why Prince William and Prince Harry Won’t Inherit Princess Diana’s Childhood Home

Princess Diana spent part of her childhood in a residence in Northamptonshire, a region in central England between Cambridge and Birmingham, that will go to her nephew

For over 500 years, the Spencer family has owned the Althorp estate in Northamptonshire, a region in central England between Cambridge and Birmingham. Princess Diana spent several childhood holidays here, before moving in permanently at the age of 14 when her parents moved in. On this luxurious 5,463-hectare estate, the mother of Prince William and Prince Harry grew up alongside her brother, Charles Spencer, and her two older sisters, Lady Sarah, and Lady Jane Spencer. But the estate will go to her sons. Indeed, the heir to this residence is none other than William and Harry’s 31-year-old cousin Louis Spencer, Viscount Althorp.

Louis is Charles Spencer’s son and will one day own this childhood home. As Charles Spencer was the 9th earl of the family, he bequeathed the property to his only son. Although Louis had three older sisters, the system for passing on titles of nobility meant that the property went to the first son, not the first sibling. Charles Spencer shares Louis with his first wife, Victoria Lockwood.

Louis Spencer grew up in Cape Town, South Africa, and lives a life far from the limelight, despite his acting career. According to a source close to the Spencers who spoke to the Telegraph, Louis is “very discreet and gets by quietly.” The source added: “He’s a very talented actor and, I think, will be brilliant.” As his sister Kitty Spencer reveals to OK! he is already taking part in management meetings at the estate, which opens its doors to the public every summer (proceeds go to the Diana Spencer Association).

Estate for rent

The Althorp estate has also been put up for rent. “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,” says the listing on Elysian Estates, a high-end equivalent of Airbnb.

Key amenities at this magnificent estate include more than 26 bedrooms, in-house catering, function space for 250 and a marquee for 500. The house also includes priceless works of art by great artists such as Anthony van Dyck, Gainsborough and Sir Joshua Reynolds.