Princess Diana's Final Gift: 6 Things Her Sons Will Always Treasure
Princess Diana, The Princess of Wales, and Prince Charles, The Prince of Wales, 1983. Photo courtesy of the Queensland State Archives.
When Princess Diana passed away in 1997, she left behind not only a deep emotional legacy but also a number of meaningful possessions and assets for her two sons, Prince William and Prince Harry. These carefully selected items highlight the bond they shared and the foresight Diana had for their future. Here are six of the most significant things Diana left for her sons.
1. A Large Financial Estate
At the time of her death, Princess Diana's estate was valued about £21 million, comprising investments, funds, and her substantial divorce settlement from Prince Charles. Both Prince Harry and Prince William were set to receive the majority of her wealth, although the inheritance terms were adjusted after her passing.
2. Personal Keepsakes
Shortly after Diana's passing, William and Harry were each given the opportunity to select a personal item from her Kensington Palace belongings. William chose a gold Cartier watch, gifted to Diana by her father, while Harry selected her iconic sapphire engagement ring. Both items carry immense sentimental value and reflect the personal connection they had with their mother.
3. Iconic Jewelry Collection
Diana's stunning jewelry collection was one of the most sentimental parts of her estate. According to her will, 75% of her personal jewelry was divided between William and Harry, with the hope that their future wives would eventually wear some of the pieces. Today, Kate Middleton often wears the sapphire and diamond engagement ring that once belonged to Diana, a ring Harry passed to William in a touching gesture when he was preparing to propose to Kate.
4. The Famous Wedding Dress
One of the most recognizable pieces of royal history, Princess Diana's elaborate wedding gown, with its 25-foot train, was passed on to her sons. However, like much of her estate, William and Harry had to wait until they turned 30 to take possession of the dress. Until then, it remained with Diana's brother, Earl Spencer. The gown, designed by David and Elizabeth Emanuel, is an enduring symbol of her wedding and has since become a treasured family heirloom.
5. A Discretionary Fund
In her will, Diana established a "Discretionary Fund," which was set up to support her sons and their future families. Initially containing £100,000, the fund has grown with interest over time and is now available to their wives, Kate and Meghan, as well. Diana's foresight in creating this fund ensures that her legacy will continue supporting her sons' households for years to come.
6. Residuary Estate
After distributing her assets and personal belongings, the remaining portion of Diana's estate after taxes and other distributions, known as the "residuary estate," was placed in trust for William and Harry.
Originally set to be given when they turned 25, Diana's mother and sister enacted a legal variation to postpone the full transfer until they turned 30. By the time they reached that milestone, each son inherited around £10 million (about $16 million) from the residuary estate, ensuring that Diana's financial legacy would secure their futures.
These six inheritances from Princess Diana not only carry significant financial value but also deep emotional meaning for Prince William and Prince Harry. Through these gifts, Diana's memory lives on, continuing to influence and support her sons as they navigate their royal and personal lives.
References: 7 Things Prince Harry and Prince William Inherited from Princess Diana | Residuary Estate Definition and Example
