header-logo header-logo

21 January 2022 / Michael L Nash
Issue: 7963 / Categories: Features , Constitutional law
printer mail-detail

Probate, princes & privilege

69158
Michael L Nash explores the secretive history surrounding the sealing of royal wills

The need—or the desire—for privacy has always been an element of the actions of those in high places.

The presence of privilege also has been accepted in any hierarchical society, which most societies are. Parliament in the UK, for example, is no stranger to privileges, nor any of the other components of the establishment.

The point is this: people have become much more aware of their rights, or what they perceive as their rights. One of these is that everyone is equal and has the same rights. So, when it is known that for most people their wills fall into the public domain, and can be read by everyone, there is disquiet and questions when a few wills are sealed and kept from general view.

It is equally arguable, as was done in the recent case concerning the will of the late Prince Philip, that everyone’s wills should be sealed and kept out of the public domain. Counsel

If you are not a subscriber, subscribe now to read this content
If you are already a subscriber sign in
...or Register for two weeks' free access to subscriber content

MOVERS & SHAKERS

WSP Solicitors—David Ashcroft & Jessica O’Shea

WSP Solicitors—David Ashcroft & Jessica O’Shea

Commercial property and child law teams expand with senior hires

Duxton Hill Chambers—Lucas Bastin KC & Joshua Hiew

Duxton Hill Chambers—Lucas Bastin KC & Joshua Hiew

Set expands London and Singapore offering with senior international disputes hires

Gilson Gray—Gregor Duthie & Stephen Forsyth

Gilson Gray—Gregor Duthie & Stephen Forsyth

Firm strengthens real estate and litigation teams with partner promotions

NEWS
Uber has built a formidable strategy for insulating itself from liability for drivers’ conduct, but the legal terrain differs sharply between the US and England and Wales
The Civil Justice Council’s review of Part III of the Solicitors Act 1974 could mark the end of what one commentator calls an ‘outdated’ and overly technical regime governing solicitor-client fee disputes
The House of Lords (Hereditary Peers) Act 2026 marks a constitutional watershed by severing the centuries-old link between hereditary titles and automatic membership of the upper chamber
Artificial intelligence, proportionality and public decision-making are under increasing judicial scrutiny, according to the latest public law round-up from Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer
Families relying on informal agreements over property ownership could face costly consequences if disputes arise, the High Court has warned
back-to-top-scroll