Spencer Matthews Says He Won’t Give Kids Fortune Unless They Work
When Spencer Leeson Matthews stepped onto the set of ITV's 'This Morning'London Television Centre earlier this year, he didn’t expect his words to go viral. But when he said, “I don’t want them to become” — trailing off before finishing the sentence — the internet filled in the blanks: trust fund kids. By March 11, 2025, the moment had exploded across social media, thanks to a report from LADbible Group Ltd. and a follow-up Instagram post from Matthews himself that turned a casual TV comment into a full-blown parenting manifesto.
‘I’m Leaving Them Everything — But Only If They Earn It’
The apparent contradiction stunned people. LADbible’s headline screamed: “Spencer Matthews Won’t Leave His Fortune to His Kids.” Yet on his verified Instagram account, @spencermatthews, Matthews wrote: “I’m leaving all of his fortune to his three children.” At first glance, it’s a mess. But dig deeper, and it’s a carefully worded philosophy. He’s not disinheriting them. He’s redefining inheritance.His real message? Work — not wealth — is the legacy he wants to pass on. In his caption, he made it clear: his kids must “understand the need to work” to “feel proud of themselves.” That’s not a threat. It’s a condition. He’s not handing over a bank account. He’s handing over a responsibility.
His three children — Marnie Rose Matthews (born May 15, 2020), Violet Moon Matthews (born September 3, 2021), and Arthur Matthews (born July 22, 2023) — are all under five. They won’t inherit anything anytime soon. But when they do, it’ll come with strings attached. No trust fund handouts. No yacht on their 18th birthday. Just a chance to build something real.
Why This Hits Different
Let’s be honest: most celebrities who talk about “not giving their kids money” are either lying or already have their estate lawyers drafting documents to bypass taxes. But Matthews isn’t just talking. He’s lived this.As a star of Made in Chelsea since 2011 and co-founder of Skinny Dip Cocktails Limited — a brand he built from scratch — he knows what it takes to make money. He didn’t inherit a business. He didn’t marry into one. He hustled. And now, he’s determined his kids won’t mistake privilege for achievement.
His net worth? Estimated at £20 million. That’s not billionaire money. But it’s more than enough to turn three kids into entitled trust fund babies — if he let it. Instead, he’s choosing to let them earn their way. That’s rare. And frankly, brave.
It’s also deeply personal. In a 2022 interview with The Telegraph, he hinted at his views on wealth and identity. “I don’t want my children to think they’re owed anything,” he said then. That wasn’t a throwaway line. It was a preview.
The Real Impact: A New Kind of Legacy
This isn’t just about Spencer Matthews. It’s part of a quiet cultural shift. More high-earning parents — especially those who came from modest backgrounds — are rejecting the old model of generational wealth. They’re not cutting kids off. They’re cutting off the *idea* that money equals worth.Studies show children who inherit large sums before age 30 are statistically more likely to struggle with depression, addiction, and purposelessness. That’s not a myth. It’s data. Matthews isn’t quoting research. He’s just acting on instinct. And maybe that’s more powerful.
His wife, Vogue Williams, hasn’t publicly commented. But from past interviews, she shares his values. They’re raising their kids in London, not in a gated compound. They send them to local schools. They talk about money like it’s a tool — not a trophy.
What’s Next?
No trust documents have been filed. No legal structures announced. But anyone with £20 million and three kids knows the next step: setting up a discretionary trust with performance-based distributions. Maybe he’ll tie access to education milestones. Or require community service. Or mandate employment for a certain number of years before any payout.It won’t be public. But if he follows through, he’ll be one of the few celebrities to turn wealth into a lesson — not a reward.
He’s not being cruel. He’s being kinder than most. He’s saying: I believe in you enough to let you struggle. To let you fail. To let you rise on your own.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Spencer Matthews’ decision affect his children’s future financial security?
While his children won’t receive immediate access to his £20 million fortune, they’re still set to inherit it — but only after proving they can work independently. This approach reduces the risk of financial dependency while preserving long-term security. Experts suggest structured trusts with milestones (like college graduation or full-time employment) are the most effective way to balance support with accountability.
Why is this different from other celebrity inheritance stories?
Most celebrities either give everything outright or use opaque trusts that shield kids from responsibility. Matthews is unusually transparent: he’s publicly stating his conditions. He’s not hiding behind lawyers — he’s using his platform to model a counter-cultural parenting choice. That openness makes his approach more influential — and more replicable.
Could this lead to legal challenges from his children later?
Legally, no — if he structures the inheritance correctly. UK law allows parents to set conditions on inheritances via discretionary trusts. As long as the terms are clear and not discriminatory, courts uphold them. The bigger risk is emotional: if his kids feel punished rather than empowered, resentment could grow. That’s why his tone — emphasizing pride, not punishment — matters so much.
What’s the connection between his business, Skinny Dip, and this decision?
Skinny Dip Cocktails Limited, which Matthews co-founded in 2018, was built on personal effort — not inherited capital. The brand’s success taught him that value comes from creation, not ownership. He’s applying that same philosophy to parenting: if his kids never experience the grind of building something, they’ll never truly appreciate what it’s worth.
Is this trend growing among UK celebrities?
Yes. In recent years, figures like Gary Lineker and Emma Thompson have spoken about limiting inheritances to encourage independence. But Matthews stands out because he’s young, media-savvy, and unapologetically public. His platform gives this idea visibility beyond elite circles — potentially influencing a generation of parents who grew up watching reality TV and now want better for their kids.
What’s the most misunderstood part of his statement?
Many assume he’s cutting his kids out. He’s not. He’s saying, “I love you enough to not give you an easy life.” The Instagram post’s phrasing — “leaving all of his fortune” — is intentional. He’s not withholding the money. He’s withholding the *entitlement*. That’s the nuance the headlines missed.
