Kennedy Family Feud: Ted Kennedy's Widow Vicki In Dispute With His Sons

Aug. 5 2012, Published 6:17 a.m. ET

Sen. Ted Kennedy's widow Vicki has become embroiled in an increasingly tense dispute with her stepsons, Edward Jr. and Patrick Kennedy.

The legendary Senator's sons are convinced their stepmother is mishandling the creation of the $71 million Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the US Senate, The Boston Globe is reporting.

They believe she is depending too much on a small group of the Senator’s friends and supporters that doesn't include anyone of national stature, and are upset about cost overruns on projects, a family friend told The Globe.

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“The children feel totally left out,’’ the friend said. “Vicki totally controls the board.’’

They believe she is depending too much on a small group of the Senator’s friends and supporters that doesn't include anyone of national stature, and are upset about cost overruns on projects.

Hard feelings have also developed over the Institute’s control over the Kennedy family’s Hyannis Port compound. The Institute took possession of the original mansion and the sprawling lawn -- famous for Kennedy family touch football games -- and is now charging a rental fee for its use. That even applies to other family members who own property within the compound.