nadateturbe
nadateturbe
I get that people should make a will. But why should it go to the Kings Estate??
Could someone give me a rational answer please.
The assets go to the Crown because, in theory, the monarch 'owns' all the land that they reign over.
I'm not sure how far back in history this principle stems from, people are talking about it being 'feudal', but it could well pre-date the Normans.
Most bona vacantia money goes to the Treasury, as does the income from the Crown Estates, but the Duchy of Lancaster was made a private possession of the monarch in mediaeval times, and the Duchy of Cornwall likewise for the heir to the throne.
Bona vacantia appears to apply in Scotland, I have no idea whether it applies in NI. I suspect that it does.
This may not be a 'rational answer' in your eyes, but this is the legal position.