The Althorp Estate, the childhood home of Princess Diana and a historic property in Northamptonshire will not be inherited by her royal sons, Prince Harry or Prince William. Instead, the estate will be passed to their cousin Louis, the son of Earl Spencer, Diana’s younger brother.
Spanning over 13,000 acres, Althorp has been the Spencer family’s ancestral home for more than five centuries. Despite having three older sisters, 30-year-old Viscount Althorp, Louis, will inherit the estate due to the aristocracy’s system of primogeniture, which prioritizes passing titles to the eldest son rather than the firstborn child, via The Express.
Princess Diana spent her formative years at Althorp, and it remains her final resting place. Over the years, the estate has been meticulously preserved and stands as a testament to the Spencer family’s legacy.
Currently, the Althorp Estate is owned by Charles Spencer, the 9th Earl Spencer, who has organized numerous events and exhibitions at the estate, including tributes to Diana’s philanthropic work and life. Born in 1994, Louis is the eldest son of Charles Spencer and his first wife, Victoria Lockwood. As the heir apparent, Louis is next in line to become the 10th Earl Spencer, a title that comes with the responsibility of managing the Althorp Estate.
Unlike some of his more famous relatives, Louis Spencer, Viscount Althorp, maintains a relatively low profile. He studied at the University of Edinburgh and honed his acting skills at a drama school in Chiswick, London. Represented by Tavistock Wood talent agency, 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.”
According to OK! Magazine, Louis is already participating in trustee meetings for the vast and historic estate he is set to inherit. When he assumes ownership of Althorp, Louis will not only become Earl Spencer but also take on the duty of preserving and managing one of the UK’s most historic estates. His responsibilities will include upholding the estate’s historical integrity, overseeing its operations, and ensuring it continues as a place of cultural and family importance.
Tatler, the lifestyle magazine, once named Louis Spencer as one of Britain’s most eligible bachelors, describing him as “charmingly dapper” with a “down-to-earth sophisticated savoir-faire.” His eldest sister, Lady Kitty Spencer, has previously spoken about her younger brother inheriting the estate over her. She told the Mirror: “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.”
Princess Diana enjoyed a serene childhood at the picturesque Northamptonshire property, relishing the tranquil countryside life and outdoor moments with her siblings. Open to the public during select periods of the year, Althorp Estate invites visitors to tour the grand residence, stroll through its gardens, and delve into the extensive history of the Spencer lineage.