Why Prince Harry inherited more of the Queen Mother’s $24m fortune than Prince William

PRINCE Harry was left significantly more money by the Queen Mother than his brother Prince William. Now we know why.

WHEN the late Princess Diana died in 1997, her fortune was split equally between her two sons.

But when the Queen Mother passed away five years later, Prince Harry inherited a substantially larger amount of his great grandmother’s $A24 million fortune than his older brother Prince William — and there’s a reason why.

Given Prince William is second in line to the throne, Queen Elizabeth’s late mother wanted to effectively protect Prince Harry’s financial future in her will.

Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan Markle (aka the Duke and Duchess of Sussex). Picture: MEGA TheMegaAgency.com

When Prince Charles becomes King, Prince William will inherit his role as the Prince of Wales.

In other words, William will take over the Duchy of Cornwall and all the private estate that entails.

Meanwhile, Prince Harry as the second son (and currently sixth in line to the throne) will get nothing.

Prince William and Prince Charles with the Queen Mother at Clarence House in 2001. Picture: AFP

While the exact amount Harry inherited remains unknown, a 2002 BBC report says the “bulk” of her $24 million estate will go to the Duke of Sussex “since William will benefit financially by becoming king”.

So the Queen Mother effectively gave Harry financial compensation to make up for the line of succession.

The royal couple attended the wedding of Harry’s friends Charlie Van Straubenzee and Daisy Jenkins. Picture: MTX

Prince Harry was best man in the bridal party. Picture: MTX

Following her death in 2002, the Queen mother left her estate (which typically refers to the contents of her homes) to her daughter.

The art enthusiast’s collection of Monet paintings were donated to the Royal Collection and put on display at Buckingham Palace.

This article was edited and republished from The Sun with permission.