Elizabeth Taylor leaves fortune to AIDS charities

Dame Elizabeth Taylor has reportedly left the bulk of her US$600m (NZ$796m) fortune to AIDS charities.

The Hollywood veteran passed away on Wednesday after losing her long battle with congestive heart disease, sending the showbusiness world into mourning.

Frequently praised for her role as an Aids/HIV activist, the star has continued her good work by leaving a large portion of her wealth to her beloved charities, reports The New York Post.

According to Fox News, Taylor's famous jewellery collection will be auctioned off to benefit The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation and amfAR, the AIDS charity she founded in 1985.

As of 2002, the collection had an estimated value of US$150m (NZ$199m).

-AAP