Though it’s been over two decades since the Queen Mother passed away, her long-planned legacy continues to impact members of the royal family — including Prince Harry.
According to reports from The Times, the Duke of Sussex was the recipient of a significant inheritance from his great-grandmother when he turned 40 in September 2024. The sum? An estimated £7 million — a portion of a trust fund set up by the Queen Mother prior to her death in 2002 at the age of 101.
The trust, said to be valued at approximately £70 million, was established to benefit members of the family over time. Sources suggest that Prince Harry may have received a larger share than his elder brother Prince William, due in part to previous financial arrangements already made for William as the future heir.
A royal inheritance amid ongoing tensions
The timing of the inheritance comes at a complicated moment in Prince Harry’s relationship with the monarchy. In 2020, he and his wife Meghan Markle stepped back from official royal duties and relocated to California. They later confirmed they would no longer use their HRH titles or receive public funding, following a statement from Buckingham Palace.
Since then, the couple has settled in Montecito, Santa Barbara, with their children Archie and Lilibet, and pursued a number of independent ventures. But Prince Harry’s ties to the UK — and to royal protocol — remain fraught.
In April 2025, Harry was once again in the headlines after voicing concerns about his personal security during a legal battle with the UK government. In court filings, he claimed his “worst fears had been confirmed,” arguing that a downgrade in protection was a calculated effort to push him away from the royal fold. When he later lost the appeal, Harry gave an interview to the BBC describing the situation as “a good old-fashioned establishment stitch-up.”
He went on to allege that King Charles had cut off communication with him over the dispute, and said he “can’t see a world” in which he would return to the UK with his wife and children under current conditions.
A legacy that still shapes royal lives
While the Queen Mother passed away more than 20 years ago, the effects of her legacy continue to resonate — both in financial and emotional terms. Her careful estate planning ensured that future generations of the royal family would be supported, even amid changes in tradition and status.
For Prince Harry, the inheritance may serve as both a symbolic connection to his heritage and a practical means of continuing life outside the royal institution. But whether it will influence any future decisions regarding reconciliation with the monarchy remains to be seen.