Inside Princess Diana’s last will and testament: what did Princes Harry and William get, how did Kate Middleton end up with her engagement ring – and why did her mum ignore her last wishes?

Oct 24 , 2021

Princess Diana’s personal effects may not have been distributed as she wished, but her charitable funds have certainly benefited since her death. Photo: AFP

Diana’s death in 1997 shocked the world, but her will was clear about whom her possessions should be given to, and how her charities should benefit

Not everyone agreed with her last wishes, however, including her own mother, Frances Shand-Kydd, who obtained a court order to change them – but why?

Back in August 1997, the world was suddenly plunged into collective shock when it awoke to the news of the untimely passing of Princess Diana in a Paris car accident.

Princess Diana had already written a will before her untimely death, but its contents appeared controversial to some. Photo: REX/SIPA

The People’s Princess had already written a will in the event of her passing, but while her estate was being sorted out, there was a controversy that caught the attention of royal watchers.

For more on this – and to find out who inherited what – keep reading.

How much was Diana’s estate worth?

Princess Diana is pictured here less than a month before her death chatting to members of a Zenica volleyball team who suffered injuries from landmines. Photo: AP

Court filings disclosed that Diana left behind assets valued at around £21 million (around US$33.6 million), which netted out at £17 million (US$27.2 million) after taxes.

Who inherited under Princess Diana’s will?

Princes William and Harry inherited three quarters of Diana’s personal property in her will, and continue to advocate for her charities today. Photo: AFP

In Princess Diana’s last will and testament, several beneficiaries were named. As you might expect, her two main heirs were her sons, Princes William and Harry.