Albert, seen here in 1923 with his daughter Lady Anne Spencer and his sister Lady Margaret Spencer at the Pytchley Hounds meet at Althorp Park, had a keen interest in art. But he began selling off paintings and other items to pay off debts. In the 1930s, Albert was forced to sell off a Hans Holbein portrait of Henry VIII to finance his son's expensive private education.

Unlike many country houses in Britain during World War II, which were occupied by the military and converted into hospitals, training camps and barracks, Althorp house remained untouched.

Albert ensured they used the stables instead, supposedly to protect the valuable interiors. Due to this protection, during World War II, many of the family's artworks and belongings from the London-based Spencer House were moved to Althorp House for safekeeping.

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