Blame Prince Frank of Teck for the secrecy surrounding the will of Elizabeth II's aunt

The recent report about the sealing of some royal household correspondence at the National Archives related to Princess Mary, the aunt of Queen Elizabeth II, who passed away in 1965, immediately sparked interest in royal wills.

Speculation arose regarding potential financial intrigues concerning the late Queen's estate.

However, those hoping for scandalous revelations would be disappointed to learn that keeping royal wills confidential is a standard practice nowadays.

The history of concealing wills has intriguing origins, dating back to Prince Frank of Teck in 1911.

His scandalous actions led to the sealing of wills of extended royal family members, including Princess Mary.

Surprisingly, even today, most royal wills remain shrouded in secrecy with only the total sum of money left behind being made public.

Anecdotes and tidbits occasionally slip out, shedding light on the complex relationships and arrangements within the royal family.

Each royal will has its unique quirks and complexities.

For instance, the wills of Queen Mary and Princess Arthur of Connaught, Duchess of Fife, reveal interesting distributions of assets.

The Duke of Windsor's estate, designed to protect Wallis Simpson, and Princess Diana's public will also showcase the nuances of royal inheritance.

The will of Prince Philip, undisclosed after his demise in 2021, will remain sealed for 90 years, respecting his desire for privacy.

Prince Philip's acts of kindness and the care taken in ensuring deserving individuals were rewarded reflect his character.

Reflecting on past royal wills and speculating on future ones is intriguing, yet the privacy surrounding such matters deserves respect.

The custodians tasked with safeguarding these documents face challenges, such as handling unusual claims for access, as seen in the case of Robert Brown's quest to view the wills of the Queen Mother and Princess Margaret.

While the contents of Queen Elizabeth II's will are likely to remain confidential, the legacy she leaves behind, both privately and for the nation, will undoubtedly be a subject of curiosity and reflection.

Royal biographer Hugo Vickers delves into the realm of royal wills, offering insights into this secretive yet fascinating aspect of British royal history.

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