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Louis Staples
Jan 14, 2020
This series of Love Island has only just begun, but it’s shaping up to be one of the most controversial.
Most of the outrage at the series so far centres around Ollie Williams, a self-identified “millionaire” who has bragged about his wealthy background.
Shortly after Williams was announced as a contestant, photos from his Instagram showing him hunting endangered species in Africa emerged online. Now there’s a petition to have him removed from the show.
Now he's quit the show after just three days.
According to The Sun, Williams is still in love with his ex-girlfriend, so couldn't continue with the show.
But that's not the only thing that Williams might be confused by, because it turns out that his background might not be what it seems.
The 23-year old has bragged about being the oldest son of Viscount Clifden, the Lord of the Manor at Lanhydrock Estate, and therefore heir to his estate. In his opening video, he said:
When my dad dies, I’m going to be a Lord! My next door neighbours are Prince Charles and Camilla.
I definitely would describe myself as wealthy, but I don’t like to brag about it.
However, his inheritance doesn’t actually include Lanhydrock House, the family home, after it was handed over to the National Trust 67 years ago.
A National Trust spokesperson confirmed to RadioTimes.com:
It’s great to hear that he would love to inherit Lanhydrock House. But we have some bad news for him; he won’t be!
In the distant past, his great-great-uncle chose to give Lanhydrock House and surrounding land to the National Trust in 1953, which is now enjoyed by 400,000 people every year.
Ollie also bragged about his father’s title.
He said:
The family title is Viscount Clifden.
When my father passes away or abdicates, as the eldest child, I will take on the titles and the estate.
But this might not be strictly true either, because the Clifden Viscountcy actually went "extinct" (was discontinued) in 1974.
Reporting by The Sun does suggest that Williams and his family are very wealthy (to the tune of £15m), but when it comes to his titles and inheritance, it seems he's either sorely mistaken, or getting carried away.
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