Leona Helmsley, the New York real estate developer dubbed the “Queen of Mean,” left $12 million to her Maltese dog, “Trouble” – a larger share of her $4 billion estate than any of her grandchildren.

Ms Helmsley, who died on 20 August, married property tycoon Harry Helmsley in 1972. Together they amassed a commercial and residential real estate empire worth billions, which included such landmark buildings as 230 Park Avenue and the Empire State Building.

Ms Helmsley, who was convicted in 1989 of evading $4 million in income taxes, ordered that all of her homes, furniture, clothing and art be sold and the proceeds given to the Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust established in 1999. Her estate includes more than $3 billion in stocks and bonds and more than $1 billion in limited liability corporations and partnerships, according to her will.

Ms Helmsley left the $12 million in a trust for Trouble, her female dog, which will be buried next to her in her mausoleum when it dies. She left Trouble to her brother, Alvin Rosenthal.

Her brother will receive $5 million outright and $10 million in a trust. She left $100,000 to a chauffeur. Four of Helmsley’s grandchildren will receive $5 million each, while two others will receive nothing, according to her will.

Helmsley’s former real estate rival Donald Trump said through a spokesman: “The dog is the only thing that loved her and deserves every single penny of it.”