Louis, Viscount Althorp, is set to inherit the late Diana, Princess of Wales’ childhood home – despite him having three elder sisters. This is due to the the system of primogeniture which means that titles are passed down to the eldest son – not the firstborn child.
Louis, who is celebrating his 31st birthday on Friday, is the maternal cousin of Prince William and Prince Harry. He is the only son from Charles, the 9th Earl Spencer and his first wife, Victoria Lockwood.
The Althorp Estate in Northamptionshire has been the ancestral seat of the Spencer Family since 1508 and is the site of the late royal’s final resting place.
The 13,500-acre estate was where Diana, who died at the age of 36 in 1997, spent much of her childhood after her father suceeded to the Earldom in 1975. The estate is opened to visitors during the summer.
Althorp House, which covers 100,000 square feet, boasts 30 luxurious bedrooms – as well as a number of stunning features.
As previously reported by The Sun, the home has a ballroom, a billiard room and an impressive gallery with paintings, including Anthony van Dyck’s 1637 portrait War and Peace.
Despite keeping out of the spotlight, Louis – who grew up in South Africa – was crowned one of Tatler’s “top eligible bachelors” in 2019.
Louis reportedly signed to the Tavistock Wood talent agency and a source speaking to The Telegraph previously said: “He’s super private and gets on quietly with his thing.
“He’s a very talented actor and, I think, will be a brilliant one. You’d like him. He’s very low-key and genuine, decent and kind – and tall.”
