History has long witnessed humanity’s fiercest struggles over power—whether for thrones or vast inheritances. These battles over wealth remain just as contentious today. In Spain, several aristocratic families have been embroiled in inheritance disputes, while in Germany, the House of Hanover has seen a high-profile legal war over a fortune worth €350 million, including the fairytale-like Marienburg Castle. Yet, reconciliation remains elusive. Prince Ernst of Hanover—still married to Princess Caroline of Monaco but now residing in Madrid—has not spoken to his eldest son, Ernst Jr., who manages the family estate and is also the godson of King Felipe VI.
A Swedish aristocrat’s fortune sparks controversy
From Germany, the focus now shifts to Sweden, where the country was stunned by news of a heated legal battle over the vast inheritance of Count Hans-Gabriel Trolle-Wachtmeister. Reports place his fortune anywhere between €500 million and €1 billion, encompassing thousands of hectares of land, two castles, stocks, artworks, jewelry, gold bars, and substantial cash reserves. The dispute has been widely covered by Swedish outlets, including Norra Skåne, Proletären, Aftonbladet, DN, and Expressen.
© Getty ImagesA legacy of landowners and royal connections
Count Hans-Gabriel Trolle-Wachtmeister, who passed away in November 2023 just days before his 101st birthday, was the son of Count Carl-Axel Trolle-Wachtmeister—a prominent industrialist, landowner, and the royal court’s chief forester under King Gustav V. His family lineage traces back to the ancient nobility of Livonia and a strong military heritage.
© Bettmann ArchiveIn 1949, he married Alice Tornérhjelm, the daughter of another influential landowner and a close confidante of the Swedish Royal Family. Alice devoted four decades to serving the court as a lady-in-waiting and head of wardrobe, holding the highest title available to a non-royal. Her passing in 2017 at the age of 91 was met with heartfelt tributes from the Royal Family. King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia expressed their sorrow, saying, “With great sadness, the Queen and I received the news. Alice was a close friend to both us and our family…” Crown Princess Victoria also honored her, stating, “As long as I can remember, Alice has been a source of support for my family and me personally. She was a rare, wise, and warm person… She leaves behind a huge void.”
The disputed inheritance
© Getty ImagesThe late count’s will, which has become the center of legal contention, divided his wealth between his nephew Claës Trolle-Wachtmeister and Baron Hans von Blixen-Finecke with his wife, Kirstine. According to the document:
- Claës Trolle-Wachtmeister would inherit Trolle Ljungby Castle near Kristianstad and 6,000 hectares of land.
- The Blixen-Fineckes, distant relatives of the Trolle-Wachtmeister family, would receive Årup Castle near Bromölla, along with additional landholdings.
- The two families would split a personal fortune of €70 million.
Allegations of fraud and betrayal
Swedish aristocratic circles have been shaken by this inheritance dispute. Claës Trolle-Wachtmeister and his son, Carl-Fredrik, have openly accused the Blixen-Fineckes of deception, branding them as "thieves and scoundrels." They argue that Baron Hans von Blixen-Finecke and his wife manipulated the elderly count to alter his will in their favor.
© Cordon PressThe accusations have been met with staunch denial from the count’s legal counsel, Johan Frih, who maintains that the late aristocrat was in sound physical and mental health when he made his final decisions.
© Getty ImagesBeyond the immediate family, the scandal also casts a shadow over the Swedish Royal Court. Baroness Edel Kirstine von Blixen-Finecke has served the Royal House since 2016, holding key roles as a lady-in-waiting and chief of staff to Queen Silvia. She has been instrumental in mentoring Princess Sofia and remains a significant figure within the court.
A royal connection to Spain’s King and Queen
During her tenure at court, Baroness Edel Kirstine accompanied King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia of Spain during their 2021 State Visit to Sweden, playing a pivotal role in coordinating events. Her contributions earned her Spain’s Grand Cross of the Order of Isabella the Catholic—one of the country’s highest honors.
The changing will and legal battle
Originally, Count Hans-Gabriel Trolle-Wachtmeister had designated his great-nephew Carl-Fredrik Wachtmeister as his heir. However, at the age of 97, he revised his will, reportedly convinced that Carl-Fredrik was unsuitable for such a vast inheritance due to their strained relationship.
As the legal battle continues in court, efforts are underway to reach a settlement. In a recent interview with Norra Skåne, Carl-Fredrik Wachtmeister stated:
“I know what we are saying is the truth, and what happened was very wrong. But if we can reach an agreement rather than fight for years, it would be better for everyone.”
In an effort to resolve the dispute, the Trolle-Wachtmeister family has proposed a revised inheritance offer to the Blixen-Fineckes, which includes:
- Årup Castle1,
- 100 hectares of land
- €50 million in financial assets
This proposal aims to bring an end to the costly and bitter legal feud.
Awaiting the Court’s final verdict
The fate of this noble inheritance now rests with the district court of Kristianstad. What was once a matter of family succession has spiraled into a high-profile legal war, drawing in some of Sweden’s most prominent aristocratic names.
At its core, this case is about more than wealth—it is a battle over legacy, loyalty, and the enduring power of noble heritage. As the legal proceedings unfold, the world watches to see whether reconciliation is possible, or if this bitter feud will cement itself as one of the most contentious aristocratic disputes in modern history.
