I wonder what the Prenuptial will look like…

Rumors abound in the UK that Prince William is set to propose to Kate Middleton, his seven-year girlfriend.  Dubbed “Waiting Kate” by the ever-so-clever British press, Middleton is set to literally have the royal wedding every girl dreams of when growing up.  All this speculation is based on a block of two days in June that have been set aside in the palace diaries for some unknown reason. 

While the efforts of the press are focused on rumor mongering and rampant speculation, yours truly would rather speculate on other potential issues, i.e. what crazy kind of prenuptial will they need to write up? 

While perhaps a cynical question, it is a necessary one considering that it was William’s mother, Diana Princess of Wales that so famously divorced Prince Charles.  After aggressive negotiations, Diana received a lump sum of £17 million, roughly $30-35 million, an amount that forced Charles to liquidate virtually all of his personal holdings and borrow money from the Queen.

William is second in line to the throne, behind his father, and is set to inherit quite the fortune.  The Queen’s personal fortune is an estimated $700M, in addition to privately held property of unknown value including Balmoral Castle (estimated $300M), a $20B (that’s Billion) art collection, and the Crown Estate (publically held property valued in excess of $16B that generates over $450M a year that the crown returns to the Government).

Though considered a “Commoner” by British standards, Kate’s family actually made a small fortune selling party supplies and decorations.  While she will be no stranger to wealth, and is well regarded in fashion circles, the amount of money on both sides of this potential marriage means that more than one attorney will be involved in this marriage, and Kate better be getting some good advice.

Our Washington divorce attorneys are frequently asked about prenuptial agreements whether or not they are enforceable.  Despite rumors to the contrary, prenuptial agreements remain alive and well here in Washington State.  But it is critical that they be properly drafted in order to be upheld.  If you or someone you know is in need of a good prenuptial agreement, they should consult with an experienced Washington State family law attorney as far in advance of their wedding as possible, particularly if significant assets are at issue.