Even if you don’t know anything about the royal family, you might probably still draw that conclusion.
In some ways, the Windsors have it much easier than most.
They have access to some of the best food, clothing, and healthcare in the world.
They’re able to travel, meet interesting people, and attend incredible events with regularity.
They’ve also got lots and lots of money.
And while all that money does come with unbelievable privilege, it also carries some weight.
For the ultra-wealthy, it’s an important document that can alter lives and family dynamics within minutes.
For the royals, wills are so much more.
Royal wills are an incredibly complex matter that has been shrouded in secrecy until very recently.
After Prince Philip’s death, royal wills were again brought to the attention of the public.
While this did stir up some controversy, it also brought some much-needed clarity to an unusual issue.
Here’s everything it’s crucial that you know about royal wills.
Prior to Prince Philip’s will, royal wills could be sealed indefinitely.
The royal family, meanwhile, files a formal request with the courts.
The representation for the deceased does have to make a case for why the will should be sealed.
This should only be for HRHs [Royal Highnesses]."
Only senior members of the royal family retain this privilege.
It does slightly make a mockery of the whole process that this should be for more senior royals."
That being said, most distant members of the royal family do not request to have their wills sealed.
We’re talking those whose title is a birthright, like the lateQueen Elizabeth IIandKing Charles III.
One such privilege they have as sovereign is that their will does not have to go through probate.
Typically, wills are used as a guide.
The wills are instead kept in the possession of Sir Andrew McFarlane, a High Court judge.
McFarlane is given this duty because he is the most senior judge in the family courts in Britain.
But not even McFarlane gets to read these wills.
He just protects them.
After 90 years, all necessary parties will be notified that it’s time to unseal the will.
The unsealing will not be a public matter, though.
If those people are unavailable to attend, they can request others go in their place.
However, if the sovereign so chooses, the contents of their will can be made public.
The first instance of a royal will being sealed dates back to 1910.
Evidently, his finances weren’t exactly in order at the time of his death.
Since that first occurrence, over 30 royal wills have been sealed.
