Fortune, feuds, and farewells: Why a famous Queen’s lookalike banned her daughter-in-law from her funeral
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Family dynamics can often be complex, but when long-standing tensions surface, they can leave a lasting mark.
A seemingly ordinary will revealed a story far more dramatic than anyone expected, shedding light on fractured relationships, unexpected decisions, and emotional farewells.
What unfolded offers a glimpse into the personal struggles behind a life lived in the public eye.
The late Queen Elizabeth II’s most famous lookalike, Jeannette Charles, reportedly banned her daughter-in-law from her funeral, revealing a family rift in her will.
Jeannette Charles, known worldwide for her striking resemblance to Queen Elizabeth II, worked as a professional lookalike for over 40 years, starring in films like The Naked Gun.
Her will, written in February 2020, specifically stated: ‘I declare that my daughter-in-law Cindy Charles shall not attend my funeral.’
Mrs Charles, who passed away aged 96 in June 2022, left no explanation for excluding Cindy, the wife of her son Peter, from her farewell.
Despite this, Cindy expressed warm sentiments toward Mrs Charles, commenting on a social media tribute by Peter, which read, ‘Thinking of Mum on her birthday. We all miss you xx.’
In response, Cindy wrote: ‘Such a beautiful tribute and a very nice picture of the three of you. Happy heavenly birthday Jeannette (love heart emoji).’
Mrs Charles, a widow since 1997, had her ashes interred alongside her late husband Kenneth Charles as per her request.
Probate records revealed she left an estate valued at £647,865, reduced to a net of £412,952 after liabilities.
She acknowledged in her will that her daughter, Carol Christophi, received greater provision due to her ‘unequivocal and unwavering care of me to the detriment of her own marriage and family life.’
Her two sons, Peter and David, received smaller allocations, as Mrs Charles stated she and her husband had already made ‘considerable lifetime provision’ for them.
Carol inherited her mother’s personal possessions, including professional memorabilia such as clothing, photographs, and scrapbooks.
Each child received £30,000, while Peter’s son was gifted £5,000.
David, residing in Deal, Kent, was bequeathed several childhood items, including a framed painting, a train set, and a Union Jack flag, with Mrs Charles stating they ‘already belong to him.’
The remainder of her estate was divided, with half allocated to Carol and the rest split between her sons.
In a funeral notice, her family celebrated Mrs Charles as ‘an amazing woman who led a full and incredible life.’
She became an international icon, with her career including appearances in Austin Powers, The Naked Gun, and National Lampoon's European Vacation.
Mrs Charles also featured in music videos, including Motörhead’s rendition of ‘God Save the Queen,’ and published her autobiography, The Queen & I, in 1986.
Her journey began in the 1970s after a portrait commissioned for her husband sparked media interest when mistaken for an official royal painting.
This led to a prolific career, with highlights like presenting a silver disc to the band Queen and modelling for Spitting Image.
Mrs Charles’ legacy extended beyond her uncanny resemblance, with her family noting: ‘To us she was just Mum or Grandma. We miss her humour and thirst for life. Now at peace with her husband Kenneth.’
Was the decision to exclude a daughter-in-law justified, or does it reveal deeper issues within the family? Share your thoughts in the comments.
A seemingly ordinary will revealed a story far more dramatic than anyone expected, shedding light on fractured relationships, unexpected decisions, and emotional farewells.
What unfolded offers a glimpse into the personal struggles behind a life lived in the public eye.
The late Queen Elizabeth II’s most famous lookalike, Jeannette Charles, reportedly banned her daughter-in-law from her funeral, revealing a family rift in her will.
Jeannette Charles, known worldwide for her striking resemblance to Queen Elizabeth II, worked as a professional lookalike for over 40 years, starring in films like The Naked Gun.
Her will, written in February 2020, specifically stated: ‘I declare that my daughter-in-law Cindy Charles shall not attend my funeral.’
Mrs Charles, who passed away aged 96 in June 2022, left no explanation for excluding Cindy, the wife of her son Peter, from her farewell.
Despite this, Cindy expressed warm sentiments toward Mrs Charles, commenting on a social media tribute by Peter, which read, ‘Thinking of Mum on her birthday. We all miss you xx.’
In response, Cindy wrote: ‘Such a beautiful tribute and a very nice picture of the three of you. Happy heavenly birthday Jeannette (love heart emoji).’
Mrs Charles, a widow since 1997, had her ashes interred alongside her late husband Kenneth Charles as per her request.
Probate records revealed she left an estate valued at £647,865, reduced to a net of £412,952 after liabilities.
She acknowledged in her will that her daughter, Carol Christophi, received greater provision due to her ‘unequivocal and unwavering care of me to the detriment of her own marriage and family life.’
Her two sons, Peter and David, received smaller allocations, as Mrs Charles stated she and her husband had already made ‘considerable lifetime provision’ for them.
Carol inherited her mother’s personal possessions, including professional memorabilia such as clothing, photographs, and scrapbooks.
Each child received £30,000, while Peter’s son was gifted £5,000.
David, residing in Deal, Kent, was bequeathed several childhood items, including a framed painting, a train set, and a Union Jack flag, with Mrs Charles stating they ‘already belong to him.’
The remainder of her estate was divided, with half allocated to Carol and the rest split between her sons.
In a funeral notice, her family celebrated Mrs Charles as ‘an amazing woman who led a full and incredible life.’
She became an international icon, with her career including appearances in Austin Powers, The Naked Gun, and National Lampoon's European Vacation.
Mrs Charles also featured in music videos, including Motörhead’s rendition of ‘God Save the Queen,’ and published her autobiography, The Queen & I, in 1986.
Her journey began in the 1970s after a portrait commissioned for her husband sparked media interest when mistaken for an official royal painting.
This led to a prolific career, with highlights like presenting a silver disc to the band Queen and modelling for Spitting Image.
Mrs Charles’ legacy extended beyond her uncanny resemblance, with her family noting: ‘To us she was just Mum or Grandma. We miss her humour and thirst for life. Now at peace with her husband Kenneth.’
Was the decision to exclude a daughter-in-law justified, or does it reveal deeper issues within the family? Share your thoughts in the comments.
