Will of Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother

THE FOLLOWING STATEMENT IS ISSUED BY THE PRESS SECRETARY TO THE QUEEN

Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother has bequeathed her entire estate (which mainly comprises the contents of her houses) to The Queen.

In her will, she asked The Queen to make certain bequests to members of her staff, and these bequests will be subject to Inheritance Tax in the normal way.

The Queen has decided that the most important of Queen Elizabeth's pictures and works of art should be transferred to the Royal Collection.

Some of these items, including works by Monet, Nash and Carl Fabergé, from Queen Elizabeth's collection will be on display in the 'Royal Treasures' exhibition, which is due to open at the new Queen's Gallery, Buckingham Palace, on 22 May.

It is expected that The Prince of Wales will move from St James's Palace to Clarence House, which will become The Prince of Wales's office and official London residence.

Since fire safety and refurbishment work will be required at Clarence House before this move takes place, it is expected that the majority of the costs of this work will be met from the Property Services Grant-in-aid.

It is intended that the ground floor of Clarence House will be opened to the public during August and September in future years, once the fire safety and refurbishment work has been completed.

Subject to discussions with the Crown Estate, The Duke of York is planning to dispose of his lease of Sunninghill Park and move to Royal Lodge. Extensive refurbishment will be required, and this will be paid for by The Duke of York, either directly or as part of the rent, if he moves to the house.

Birkhall is a residence on The Queen's private Balmoral Estate, which The Queen had made available to Queen Elizabeth as well as The Prince of Wales. The Prince of Wales will continue to make use of the house.