NEW YORK – The son of millionaire philanthropist and socialite Brooke Astor transferred ownership of her Maine estate to his wife after his mother had given him title to the property, according to a published report.

The transfer, reported Saturday by The New York Times, is the latest detail in a drama involving Astor’s son, Anthony Marshall, and her grandson Philip Marshall.

Philip Marshall, who wants his father removed as Astor’s legal guardian, filed court papers last week accusing the elder Marshall of denying Astor her typical high-end lifestyle while using his role as legal guardian to take “millions of dollars.”

Anthony Marshall dismissed those allegations, saying “I love my mother, and no one cares more about her than I do.” A hearing in the case was set for Aug. 8.

Meanwhile, the 104-year-old Astor was released from a Manhattan hospital Saturday, several days after being admitted, said Fraser Seitel, a spokesman for Astor’s close friend Annette de la Renta.

Astor was admitted to the hospital last Wednesday as news broke of the legal struggle over her care between her son and grandson. Astor gave Anthony Marshall title to the estate, located in Northeast Harbor, Maine, in May 2003, according to a copy of the deed filed at Hancock County government offices. Marshall transferred the property to his wife, Charlene, six months later, making her the sole owner, The Times reported.

Charlene Marshall, 61, once lived in Northeast Harbor.

Real estate agents estimated the property – which includes a house, several cottages, a swimming pool and a garden – could be worth more than $5 million.

An attorney for Marshall, Ken Warner, told The Times that his client gave the property to his wife because “he loves her and he wanted her to have it always.”

Astor, considered the grande dame of Manhattan society, ran the Astor Foundation after the death of her third husband, Vincent Astor, in 1959. The foundation gave away approximately $200 million by the time it closed at the end of 1997.