Much of the royal family’s incredible riches come from inheritance. When Queen Mother — the mother of Queen Elizabeth II — died, she left her riches to Queen Elizabeth II and her family, including her grandchildren. The details of Queen Mother’s £50-million will were brought to light in 2002, revealing what each family member got when she died.

The document detailing her will also revealed that Queen Elizabeth did not need to pay inheritance tax on Queen Mother’s £50m and £70m estate when she died because of an agreement signed with John Major’s government nine years prior. The agreement meant that all of Queen Mother’s bequests would not be liable to taxation.

Queen Mother’s private art collection, which included works by Monet, Nash and Carl Faberge, were transferred to the Royal Collection, which is now on display at the “Royal Treasures” exhibition. The exhibition is located at the new Queen’s Gallery inside Buckingham Palace. All of these artworks are currently held in trust for the nation and are open for public viewing.

After the death of Queen Mother, Prince Charles moved from his previous quarters at St. James’ Palace to her grandmother’s former home in London, Clarence House. His move was paid for by the government as part of the royal family’s property services grant-in-aid, which is intended for the upkeep of royal residences. Queen Mother willed that the ground floor of Clarence House be opened to the public during the months of August and September after her death.

Queen Mother’s will also stated that upon her death, the Prince of Wales would be given the use of Birkhall, the Queen Mother’s huge holiday home on the Balmoral Estate in Scotland. He and Queen Elizabeth currently have shared ownership of Birkhall.

Prince Charles’ brother, Prince Andrew, was left with Queen Mother’s Royal Lodge. After the death of Queen Mother, he moved out of the modern mansion he previously shared with his ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson, to occupy Queen Mother’s home near the Windsor Great Park. Unlike Prince Charles, Prince Andrew paid for his move.

While Queen Mother bequeathed her entire estate to Queen Elizabeth and her children, she asked Queen Elizabeth before her death to make certain bequests to members of her staff. It remains unknown how much each of her staff member was able to receive after she died.

Royal Family
Sophie, Countess of Wessex; Prince Charles, Prince of Wales; Prince Andrew, Duke of York; Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall; Queen Elizabeth II; Meghan, Duchess of Sussex; Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex; Prince William, Duke of Cambridge; and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, watch the RAF flypast on the balcony of Buckingham Palace. Chris Jackson/Getty Images

© 2024 Latin Times. All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.