Philippa Seilern passed away on the 17th of January, 2018.
In the years since, I have sought to better understand what became of her estate. My concern has never been for personal gain, but rather to ensure that Philippa’s true wishes were honored—particularly in regard to her staff, her charities, and perhaps even her closest family.
My inquiry has rested largely on the two notarized declarations of Eden Nylen, Philippa’s housekeeper in Monte Carlo for over three decades. From these, four troubling issues emerge:
1. The treatment of Eden Nylen
The manner in which Eden was dismissed by PS Jr. in the days following Philippa’s death was deplorable. After 33 years of devoted service, she was cast aside without so much as a kind word. At seventy years old, she found herself suddenly unemployed, left to survive on less than ten euros a day on the streets of Monte Carlo. Such treatment is indefensible.
2. The opacity of Liechtenstein foundations
The laws governing these foundations shroud estates in secrecy. Once property is placed within an irrevocable foundation, full control passes to the trustees—without oversight, without accountability. A country house, an apartment in Monte Carlo, and a portfolio of securities cannot simply vanish. They must end up somewhere. Yet to my knowledge, neither her charities nor her immediate family have received anything. Trust alone, without transparency, is a dangerous illusion.
3. Philippa’s clear intentions toward her staff
Why did Philippa provide Mr. Blöchlinger with Eden’s IBAN number during his final visit to Monte Carlo? He even confirmed it by pointing to Eden and asking, “Is that her?”—to which Philippa replied, “Yes.” Both Mr. Blöchlinger and Franz Tassilo Seilern knew that Philippa intended to provide for Eden (and very likely other loyal staff) after her passing. That wish was neither vague nor hidden.
4. Neglect in her final years
Philippa became increasingly reclusive after the loss of her parents, isolating herself and refusing most visits. Yet this cannot excuse the neglect she endured. Her loneliness and depression in those final years must have been profound. Even though both a nephew and a first cousin lived only steps away in Monte Carlo, neither visited nor cared for her. It appears that managing her estate was the greater concern, while compassion and empathy were absent.
Philippa deserved better—from those entrusted with her well-being in life and with her legacy in death.
Philippa, RIP
PS ’36
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