Ad

Latest Posts

Prince Philip’s will ‘to remain secret’ for at least 90 years

Prince Philip’s will is to remain secret for at least 90 years, to protect the “dignity” of Queen Elizabeth II.

The ruling was decided by Sir Andrew McFarlane, the president of the Family Division of the High Court, on Thursday.

According to the BBC, the judge also ruled that a private process can be held after 90 years to decide if the documents should be unsealed.

In a written judgement, McFarlane said: “I have held that, because of the constitutional position of the Sovereign, it is appropriate to have a special practice in relation to royal wills.”

“There is a need to enhance the protection afforded to truly private aspects of the lives of this limited group of individuals in order to maintain the dignity of the Sovereign and close members of her family.”

The judge’s ruling was published this week following a private hearing with lawyers representing the Duke’s estate and the attorney general, the government’s chief legal adviser, in July.

His judgement continued: “I accepted the submission that, whilst there may be public curiosity as to the private arrangements that a member of the Royal Family may choose to make in their will, there is no true public interest in the public knowing this wholly private information.”

The Duke of Edinburgh passed away at the age of 99 on April 9 at Windsor Castle.

At the time, Buckingham Palace said in a statement: “It is with deep sorrow that Her Majesty The Queen has announced the death of her beloved husband, His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.”

“His Royal Highness passed away peacefully this morning at Windsor Castle.”

Ad

Latest Posts

Don't Miss