The family of late actor Leslie Phillips has initiated legal proceedings against his widow, Zara Phillips, over the terms of his will concerning their marital home. The dispute centers on a £4.4 million mansion in West London, which Leslie Phillips left to be sold within two years and nine months following his death. That deadline passed 11 months ago without the property being sold.

Leslie Phillips, who died in 2022 at the age of 98, stipulated in his will that the house should be sold and the proceeds divided among his widow and four children from a previous marriage. The estate was valued at approximately £5.3 million, including the marital home. However, Zara Phillips, 70, who married Leslie in 2013, has refused to vacate the property, citing a promise from her late husband that she could remain there for the rest of her life.

The matter was brought before the High Court this week as Leslie Phillips’ family seeks to enforce the terms of the will. Speaking outside the family home, Zara Phillips stated she intended to contest the case if necessary.

The dispute highlights tensions that can arise between the terms of a will and informal assurances made by the deceased, with the estate awaiting resolution through the court system.