The Duchy of Lancaster, now ruled by King Charles III, has used a medieval practice to acquire assets known as “bona vacantia” from people who died without a will or direct heirs, according to an investigation by British newspaper The Guardian.
The funding will amount to around 60 million pounds ($75 million) over the past decade, mainly from residents in northwest England.
Although the Duchy stated that the funds were donated to charity, the newspaper reported that most of the funds had been used to renovate and rent out the king’s properties for profit.
In this regard, the Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, urged the British Government to hold a public consultation on how the Crown Estate obtains income from people who die without a will or without close relatives.
“I think many people in the North West will be shocked to learn that the savings and assets of their friends and neighbors were taken in this way,” Burnham warned in a statement.
“I don’t remember this ancient system being explained to anyone here or the community giving consent for it to happen,” he said.
He also claims that these appear to be strange remnants of feudal England.
Burnham raised concerns about a lack of transparency and accountability, saying that people in the north west of England should have a say in how this income is used.
Steve Rotheram, mayor of the Liverpool City Region, also raised concerns, pointing out that at a time of economic crisis it appeared funds intended for vulnerable people were being used to renovate royal properties rather than supporting charities.
Meanwhile, Buckingham Palace did not comment on the matter but it is thought the claims could put pressure on the king to provide an explanation on the matter.
Charles III, who inherited the Duchy of Lancaster from his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, who died in September 2022, previously held the Duchy of Cornwall which also raised “bona vacantia”.
The duchy’s internal policy in 2020 gave royal officials permission to use “bona vacantia” funds in various profit-generating portfolios, the newspaper recalled.
Friends of those whose assets were collected from the king’s estate called the use of these funds “unethical” and “shocking.”
In response, a spokesperson for the Duchy of Lancaster said Charles reiterated on accession that the funds should be used primarily to support local communities and preserve public and historic properties.
The spokesperson added that before funds are distributed to charities, money is allocated to a late claims fund and administration and maintenance costs for architecturally significant buildings will be deducted. (Late)