Princess Diana’s childhood home, Althorpe Estate, will be inherited by her nephew, actor Louis Spencer, bypassing her sons Prince William and Prince Harry
Princes William and Harry will be pipped to the post in inheriting Princess Diana’s childhood home. Instead, actor Louis Spencer is set to take on Althorpe Estate in Northamptonshire.
The vast estate, spanning over 13,000 acres, has been the ancestral home of the Spencer family for more than five centuries.
This explains why the property will go to their cousin Louis, son of Earl Spencer, Diana’s brother. Despite having three older sisters, 30-year-old Louis, as Viscount Althorp, will inherit the estate due to the aristocracy’s system of primogeniture, where titles are passed down to the eldest son rather than the firstborn child.
Althorp Estate, where Diana spent her childhood and now lies at rest, has been meticulously maintained over the years as a tribute to the Spencer family’s legacy. Born in 1994, Louis is the eldest son of Charles Spencer and his first wife, Victoria Lockwood.
As the heir apparent, he is poised to become the 10th Earl Spencer, a title that comes with the responsibility of managing the Althorp Estate. Although born in London, Louis was brought up in Cape Town, South Africa, following his parents’ separation, where he reportedly attended one of the city’s most prestigious private schools – Diocesan College.
Louis Spencer, the elusive Viscount Althorp, has kept a more low-profile life than his famous kin. Forgoing the limelight, he pursued studies at the University of Edinburgh before honing his acting chops at a Chiswick drama school, and he is currently represented by Tavistock Wood talent agency, as reported by the Express, reports the Mirror.
An insider revealed to The Telegraph: “He’s super private and gets on quietly with his thing. He’s a very talented actor and, I think, will be a brilliant one. You’d like him. He’s very low-key and genuine, decent and kind and tall.”
His sister Kitty Spencer has spoken about their brother’s destiny as the future estate holder, stating, “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.”
Louis is already engaging in Trustee meetings in anticipation of taking over the historic Althorp Estate, preparing him to take on the title of Earl Spencer and the responsibility for one of Britain’s most prestigious estates. Diana, the late Princess of Wales, spent idyllic youthful days here, surrounded by the tranquillity of Northamptonshire’s landscape and her siblings.
When open for viewing, the Althorp Estate welcomes visitors to explore its grand house and gardens, offering a glimpse into the illustrious history of the Spencer family.
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