Why Prince Harry’s huge inheritance was saved until his 40th birthday

The reason Prince Harry has had to wait until his 40th birthday before receiving his huge inheritance has been revealed by a prominent royal author.

The Duke of Sussex, who will turn 40 on Sept. 15, is set to receive a massive payout as he enters his 40s thanks to arrangements made by his late great-grandmother, Queen Elizabeth, the queen mother.

The late Queen Elizabeth II’s mother put $90 million into a trust fund for her family, and listed that Harry was to access his share of the trust when he turned 40 as one of the fund’s stipulations.

4
Prince Harry is set to receive a massive payout when he turns 40 on Sept. 15. Getty Images for W+P
And according to Christopher Andersen, author of “The King,” the father of two has had to wait four decades for his lucrative gift for good reason.

“Why 40? To a woman who nearly lived to be 102, one can only imagine that 40 seemed like the perfect age to come into some extra cash — when you’re young enough to appreciate it but also old enough, and hopefully wise enough, not to blow it,” Andersen told Fox News.

“Of course, the princes’ great granny couldn’t have anticipated all the trouble Harry caused the rest of the family. I think she would have cut him out of [the trust] entirely had she known.”

Unlike his estranged brother Prince William, who received a ceremonial bell concert at Westminster Abbey on the milestone birthday, Harry is reportedly set to receive a whopping $8.5 million from his share — which is more than William received on his 40th birthday, the Mirror reports.

4
The Duke of Sussex is reportedly set to receive a whopping $8.5 million from his share — which is more than William received. POOL/AFP via Getty Images
Still, the duke will have to pay tax on his future commercial earnings.

The hefty sum of money will be a welcome addition to Harry and wife Meghan Markle’s net worth, which currently sits comfortably at about $60 million.

“Prince Harry is set to receive more money than Prince William because he is the spare,” Kinsey Schofield, host of the “To Di For Daily” podcast, told the outlet.

4
Harry and his brother’s late great-grandmother Queen Elizabeth, the queen mother, put $90 million into a trust fund for her family. Getty Images
“The queen mother knew he would have fewer opportunities and responsibilities. It was a logical and thoughtful decision.”

“There will be no tensions as [the family] knew about this arrangement for decades. Prince William likely quietly inherited his share two summers ago when he turned 40,” Schofield added.

Start your day with all you need to know

Morning Report delivers the latest news, videos, photos and more.

Thanks for signing up!

As the heir to the throne, William has in turn benefited from the tax-exempt Duchy of Cornwall — a private estate that funds his public, charitable and private activities.

Last week, Prince William’s eye-popping salary was revealed in the Integrated Annual Report, which showed that the Prince of Wales, 42, received $30 million from the Duchy of Cornwall estate during the 2023-24 financial year.

 4
As the heir to the throne, William has in turn benefited from the tax-exempt Duchy of Cornwall. Getty Images
But despite his impressive income, William has refused to reveal what he paid in taxes — breaking his father King Charles’ tradition, which spanned more than 30 years.

The report also revealed William’s first act as the estate’s owner, which was removing Queen Camilla’s sister from the payroll after two decades.