The late fashion icon Karl Lagerfeld, who passed away in 2019 at the age of 85, famously reserved a special place in his heart for his beloved Birman cat, Choupette. The pampered feline was set to inherit a fortune of approximately $1.5 million, ensuring her luxurious lifestyle would continue unabated after her owner's death.
Detailed Plans for Feline Luxury
Lagerfeld made meticulous arrangements during his lifetime to guarantee Choupette's comfort and care. He allocated a substantial sum of money and provided a house with a garden, all under the supervision of his former housekeeper, Françoise Caçote. This thoughtful planning means that, despite ongoing legal disputes, Choupette's extravagant existence remains secure.
A Surprising Legal Challenge Emerges
While Choupette's future is assured, the remainder of Lagerfeld's vast €200 million estate has become embroiled in a fresh legal battle seven years after his passing. It has recently come to light that his will, which was finalised in April 2016, is being contested by an unknown claimant. This development opens the possibility for Lagerfeld's nieces and nephews to inherit a portion of his wealth, despite being initially excluded from the will entirely.
According to the terms of the will, Lagerfeld bequeathed the majority of his estate to what he once referred to as his 'real family'. This group includes his long-time assistant, Sébastien Jondeau, his godson Hudson Kroenig – who was merely 11 years old at the time of Lagerfeld's death – and male models Brad Kroenig and Baptiste Giabiconi.
Executor Informs Relatives of Contestation
German media outlets reported this week that Christian Boisson, the executor of Lagerfeld's will, has written to the designer's surviving relatives to notify them of the legal challenge. Under French inheritance law, if the will were to be annulled, the estate would instead be distributed among his next of kin.
Lagerfeld had no children of his own, and both of his sisters, Christiane and Thea, predeceased him. Consequently, any ruling favouring blood relatives would primarily benefit their children.
Potential Beneficiaries and Strained Family Ties
Christiane Lagerfeld emigrated to the United States during the 1950s, eventually settling in Connecticut, where she raised four children. One son, named Karl, tragically died in a motorcycle accident at the age of 18. Her surviving children – Paul Johnson, Roger Johnson, and Caroline Wilcox – could now stand to inherit a share of the estate.
Despite the geographical distance, Lagerfeld once designed Caroline Wilcox's wedding dress and arranged for it to be flown to the United States on Concorde in 1992. However, family relationships were notably strained. Lagerfeld had not seen his sister Christiane since 1974, and none of his American relatives received invitations to the 2023 Met Gala in New York, which celebrated his legacy.
Roger Johnson, who now works as a long-haul truck driver, has previously indicated that he would be unlikely to accept any inheritance, citing the lack of a meaningful relationship with his uncle.
Additionally, Thoma Gräfin von der Schulenburg, the 82-year-old daughter of Lagerfeld's half-sister Thea, is also among the potential beneficiaries should the will be overturned.
Choupette's Lavish Lifestyle Continues
Lagerfeld's devotion to Choupette was widely documented. He once described the cat as living like a 'kept woman', sharing meals at the table, sleeping under pillows, and even using an iPad. Her Instagram account showcases a life of opulence, featuring travels in a $2,000 Louis Vuitton carrier and flights on private jets, far removed from the standard $20 mesh carriers available on Amazon.
It is important to note that in France, where Choupette resides, as well as in the United States and the United Kingdom, pets are legally considered property. Therefore, they cannot directly inherit money. The most common method for providing for pets is to allocate funds to a new caretaker, establish a foundation dedicated to their care, or designate a nonprofit organisation.
Additional Complications for the Estate
The legal challenge to the will is not the only issue clouding Lagerfeld's estate. Tax authorities are also conducting an investigation amid claims that his primary residence was Paris rather than Monaco. This discrepancy could potentially result in an unpaid tax bill ranging between €20 million and €40 million, adding further complexity to the settlement of his affairs.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the fate of Lagerfeld's €200 million fortune remains uncertain, while Choupette continues to enjoy her privileged existence, seemingly unaffected by the turmoil surrounding her late owner's estate.
