Prince William 25 today
It’s Prince William’s 25th birthday today, Midsummer day. A quarter of a century has passed since he came into the world. What a lot has happened in that time. I’m guessing it feels like an aeon to him. As he said last week, time has passed very slowly in the last 10 years.
Today, William gains access to part of the inheritance left to him by his late mother Diana, Princess of Wales. Her £21m ($42m) estate has been split equally between William and Prince Harry, which, after deducting £8m ($16m) inheritance tax, leaves them around £6.5m ($13m) each.
Diana’s estate was largely made up of stocks and shares, jewellery, a reported £18m ($36m) divorce settlement, dresses and personal items from Kensington Palace.
Some changes have been made to Diana’s will, however. William may now access the income generated by the investment of his cut, believed to be around £250K to £300K ($600K) a year.
Added to the £22K ($44K) he currently earns as a Cornet in the Blues and Royals, it represents quite a few nights out at Boujis and Mahiki, However, sources have said he will not touch the capital of his inheritance yet, since his accommodation, staff and polo playing are paid for by the Duchy Of Cornwall. He also has access to funds left in trust for him by his great grandmother the Queen Mother.
William is said to be spending his birthday training as usual with the Army at Lulworth in Dorset — but don’t rule out a drink in the mess later.
Royal Anecdotes wishes Prince William a very happy birthday and many more to come.
Happy Birthday is in order for William. However at the age of 25 he should be out on his own and away from his father and his court. If he is to become a leader and decision maker now is the time to break away into a home of his own. Also he would honor his mother in being financially independent and allowed to have a sort of normal life that she envisioned for him, before becoming a full time royal and all the responsibilities that go with it.
By Trudie on June 21st, 2007 at 1:45 pm
Well, Trudie, he earns $44K/year as a fulltime Army officer.
By John on June 21st, 2007 at 1:51 pm
My recollection is that none of the former royal princes who were Prince of Wales had residences that were theirs alone until they married or joined the military. The exception to that was the Duke of Windsor, who insisted on being given the use of Fort Belvedere, which is where he entertained Freda Dudley Ward and Wallis Warfield Simpson. With royal residences, there must be security, staff, and all the amenities, so it is really an economy for Britain if there is no separate residence until the princes marry. The princes have financial independence now since they earn money in the military and inherited money from Princess Diana and the Queen Mother, none of which Charles controls, thank heavens. Nevertheless, their lives will never be normal in the truest sense.
By Gigi on June 21st, 2007 at 2:56 pm
That’s true, Gigi. Royal residences are protected and funded by the tax payer, so they have to be set up with care.
By John on June 21st, 2007 at 2:58 pm
Good grief, I meant to type Freda Dudley Ward, not Fred.
My typos will be the end of us all!
By Gigi on June 21st, 2007 at 3:01 pm
I’ve given Fred a sex change, Gigi.
By John on June 21st, 2007 at 3:09 pm
LOL! You are hilarious, John!
By Gigi on June 21st, 2007 at 3:11 pm
I’m sure a home could be provided for William as HM provided a cottage for use at Balmoral. A home of his own would give him a sense of normalcy in that he can do as he pleases and whatever hobbies that might interest him.
By Trudie on June 21st, 2007 at 4:42 pm
Now that you mention this, Trudie, I seem to remember reading somewhere, about a month ago, that a penthouse suite in a highrise apartment complex was being purchased and furnished for Prince William, somewhere in the UK. Does anyone recall seeing this?
By Gigi on June 21st, 2007 at 6:28 pm
Yes, I read that on another site. It’s in a condominium complex that Princess Anne once resided in.
By Evelyn on June 21st, 2007 at 6:46 pm
I hope William had a pleasant birthday.
By Jean on June 22nd, 2007 at 2:10 am
William and I share a birthday! I remember the day he was born and though, well, I’ll be darned - he’s come into the world same time I was. Longest day of the year…
That’s a nice little inheritance. Cannot imagine that kind of moola, but then it’s second nature to him. I hope the two of them realize how fortunate they are. (they appear to be, judging from the interview with Matt Lauer. I loved how they laughed and joked with each other. It’s obvious they love each other deeply and enjoy the other’s company.
By On The Outside on June 22nd, 2007 at 11:36 pm