The Althorp Estate, the ancestral home of the Spencer family, is where Princess Diana grew up but it will not be inherited by either of her royal sons.

Princess Diana’s childhood home of The Althorp Estate is a prestigious and historic property in Northamptonshire but it is not set to be inherited by either Prince Harry or Prince William.

This expansive estate which covers over 13,000 acres has been the Spencer family’s ancestral home for more than five centuries will be passed to the prince’s cousin Louis, son of Earl Spencer, Diana’s younger brother.

Despite having three older sisters, 30 year old Viscount Althorp, Louis, will inherit the estate due to the aristocracy’s system of primogeniture, which sees titles passed down to the eldest son, rather than the firstborn child.

The estate is where Diana spent her younger years and serves as her final resting place. Over the years, Althorp has been carefully preserved and remains a testament to the Spencer family’s legacy.

At present, the Althorp Estate is owned by Charles Spencer, the 9th Earl Spencer, who has overseen numerous events and exhibitions at Althorp, including tributes to Diana’s philanthropic work and life, the Express reports.

Princess Diana

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 duty of managing the Althorp Estate.

Louis Spencer, Viscount Althorp, keeps a relatively low profile, unlike some of his more famous kin. He studied at the University of Edinburgh before refining his acting chops at a drama school in Chiswick, London.

He’s now represented by Tavistock Wood talent agency and 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’s set to inherit.

When he inherits Althorp, Louis Spencer will not only become Earl Spencer but also take up the task of preserving and managing one of the UK’s most historic estates.

His duties will involve upholding the estate’s historical integrity, managing its operations, and ensuring it continues as a place of cultural and family importance.

Louis Spencer with his sisters

The estate will go to Diana’s brother’s son, Viscount Althorp, Louis Spencer (Image: Getty)
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”.

Spencer’s 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.