Britons Providing for Pets in Wills
- More Britons are leaving money for their pets in their wills, following examples like Oprah Winfrey and Karl Lagerfeld.
- This trend shows a growing concern for the well-being of pets after their owners pass away.
- Providing for pets in wills is becoming a common practice to ensure their care and comfort.
In a lavish display of affection, Choupette, the late Karl Lagerfeld's cherished Burmese cat, celebrated her 13th birthday with a picnic at the Palace of Versailles. Lagerfeld, who passed away in 2019, left an impressive £1.2 million to his feline companion, highlighting the extraordinary lives some pets lead. Choupette's opulent lifestyle is not an isolated case, as many celebrity pets are receiving substantial inheritances. The trend of leaving significant sums to pets gained notoriety with the late Leona Helmsley, a prominent US property mogul. Upon her death in 2007, Helmsley bequeathed £10 million to her Maltese dog, Trouble, while controversially excluding two of her grandchildren from her will. This act of prioritizing pets over family members has sparked discussions about the evolving nature of pet ownership and inheritance. As the phenomenon of wealthy pets becomes more common, legal advisers are noting a shift in public attitudes. An increasing number of pet owners are now opting to leave their fortunes to their animals, reflecting a growing recognition of pets as integral family members. This trend raises questions about the responsibilities and implications of such decisions, as well as the emotional bonds that drive them. In conclusion, the practice of leaving substantial inheritances to pets is on the rise, with high-profile examples like Choupette and Trouble leading the way. As society continues to embrace the idea of pets as family, the financial commitments to their care and well-being are likely to grow.