Prince Harry's 40th Birthday: A Milestone Marked by Inheritance and Family Tensions
Prince Harry's 40th birthday on September 15 is not just a celebration of his life but also a point of contention within the royal family. As he steps into this new decade, he will receive a substantial inheritance of eight million pounds (approximately 9.4 million euros) from his great-grandmother, Queen Mum. This financial gift, set up in a trust in 1994, was designed to be paid out in two installments to avoid inheritance tax, with the first payment made on his 21st birthday and the second coinciding with his 40th.
The decision to allocate a larger share to Harry than to his brother, Prince William, has raised eyebrows, particularly since William is expected to inherit the Duchy of Cornwall fortune upon becoming heir to the throne. Royal expert Hugo Vickers expressed hope that Harry would use this money for charitable purposes, especially given his and Meghan Markle's known lavish lifestyle. However, some royal insiders have voiced concerns, suggesting that Harry's strained relationship with the family has made this inheritance contentious. An insider commented, "Many feel that Harry did not deserve all that money. Because he caused the family too much grief."
Family Dynamics and Public Perception
Adding to the complexity of this situation is the public's perception of the royal family's dynamics. Prince William reportedly feels a sense of unfairness regarding his brother's financial windfall, which has led to further tensions. Meanwhile, the royal family made headlines recently by sharing a birthday wish for Harry, which was marked by a notable omission: Meghan Markle was absent from the shared photo. Buckingham Palace clarified that the image was not intentionally cropped, but the incident has sparked speculation about the family's relationship with the couple.
This birthday marks a significant moment as it is the first time since 2021 that the royal family has publicly acknowledged Harry's birthday. The gesture, however, comes amid a backdrop of strained relationships and ongoing discussions about the couple's role in the royal family after their departure in January 2020. While there may be signs of reconciliation, the complexities of inheritance and family dynamics continue to loom large.
