Bequests in Wilt Of Princess Louise

Manawatu Times, Volume 65, Issue 3, 4 January 1940, Page 4

Bequests in Wilt Of Princess Louise

DUKE OF KENT PRINCIPAL BENEFICIARY LONDON, Dec. U, The Duke of Kent, it is understood, will be the principal beneficiary under the will of Princess Louise, Duchess of Argyll, his great-aunt, who was one of the wealthiest members of the Royal Family. It is also expected that paft of the valuable collection of jewellery possessed by Princess Louise will go to the Duchess of Kent. JP The Princess was always greatly attached to the Duke, who was devoted to her. He used to sit at her bedside for hours during her last illness. The Duke of Kent also benefited under the will of the late Princess Victoria, his aunt, who died in December, 1935- She left him her Buckinghamshire home, The Coppius, which the Duke and Duchess have used as their country house. It is believed that relics of Queen Victoria will be distributed among members of the Royal Family, including tho King and Queen. There are substantial bequests to charities and provision for the staff at Kensington Palace. She died at the age of 91, without knowing that, for the second time in her life, Britain was at war with Germany. Princess Louise had an income of £6OOO a year from the Civil List. Her total housekeeping expenses amounted to little more than half this. In addition, she inherited a large sum of money from Queen Victoria and benefited under the will of her husband, who left £619,000.

Princess Louise assisted many chari« ties. The cause of the young was par* ticularly dear to her. Among tho in* stitutions in which she was especially interested were the Children’s Hospital in Kensington, which bears her name, and the Heritage Crafts School at Challey for cripples, of which the was chief patroness. These and other charities are expected to receive legacies under the will. Her paintings aro loft to the nation. Many of these are hung in Kensington Palace, and in one room they cover every wall.