Learn how an archaic piece of legislation is being employed by the Duchy of Lancaster to support some of the estates under the ownership of King Charles.
The medieval law of bona vacantia, which empowers the British Crown to take ownership of unclaimed estates of the deceased, is proving to be highly advantageous for King Charles, who faces criticism over his work habits. Although this ancient law dates back to feudal times it continues to augment the finances of many of the King’s estates in the Duchy of Lancaster. This controversial estate has amassed millions of pounds by assuming the assets of people who have died without any surviving relatives. Traditionally, it has been asserted that this confiscated wealth is donated to charitable organisations, and indeed some of it has. However, recent revelations demonstrate that merely 15 per cent is truly allocated to this noble cause, with the remaining 85 per cent being diverted to support the financial health of the Crown. With a new season of Netflix's hit show 'The Crown' coming soon, there is much public attention on the inner workings of the monarchy.
A financial boon
Over the past decade, it has collected over £60 million in funds from deceased individuals in this region of north-west England. This area encompasses Lancashire and parts of Merseyside, Greater Manchester, Cheshire and Cumbria. Rental properties within the boundaries of the Duchy of Lancaster in these areas have been able to generate more substantial profits, resulting in increased revenue for King Charles. In 2020 an internal policy of the Duchy was leaked, highlighting the exploitation of the license to use bona vacantia. This significant source of income for the Crown has been referred to by Buckingham Palace as ‘private.’ Last year, King Charles received £29 million from this lucrative source, supported, at least partially, by the estates of his deceased subjects.
What the money is used for
The official stance has been that the money collected in this way is donated to charity after expenses have been deducted. The details of what these expenses entailed, however, have hitherto been kept in the shadows. The source disclosed that the ‘private’ fund has been utilised in mending numerous properties owned by King Charles. The mending comprises installing new windows, repairs to dilapidated roofs, replacement of doors and boiler repairs. Considering the multitude of properties that require these repairs, such as agricultural buildings and barns, townhouses, holiday homes and rural cottages, it is apparent why such a small portion of this fund ends up being allocated for charitable donations. An example of how this fund can really bolster the income of the crown is seen in the work being done to renovate an old farmhouse and convert it into a high-end residential let.
One Duchy insider has referred to it as a ‘slush fund’, making their opinion of this practice abundantly clear. The Guardian has identified some of the identities of the people whose assets have been used in this way. They come from places such as ‘ Preston, Manchester, Burnley, Blackburn, Liverpool, Ulverston and Oldham.’ The article made the observation that ‘several had been living in rundown properties or social housing that contrasts with the high-end duchy properties being transformed with the money they left behind.’ This comment highlights the sense of injustice that will likely be provoked by these revelations with so many hardworking everyday people struggling to pay rent and keep a roof over their heads.
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