Bona Vacantia - 5 Reasons The Royals Profiting From Dead British People Is Wrong

The idea that the royal family profits from bona vacantia (ownerless property) in certain jurisdictions, such as the Duchy of Lancaster or the Duchy of Cornwall, has been criticised for several reasons, rooted in questions of fairness, ethics, and transparency. Here’s why it is wrong:

1. Unjust Enrichment

- Lack of Contribution: the royal family does not contribute to earning or generating the assets classified as bona vacantia. It is unfair for them to benefit from property simply because it is ownerless once the previous owner dies.

- Wealth Disparity: The royal family is already one of the wealthiest institutions in the country. Profiting further from bona vacantia is excessive.

2. Public vs. Private Ownership

- Belonging to the Public: unclaimed property should revert to the state or public funds as in other countries, benefiting society through public services or social programs, rather than augmenting the private wealth of the royal family.

- Erosion of Trust: When bona vacantia is directed to the Crown or royal estates instead of the public purse, it undermines trust in the institution, especially if it is perceived as prioritising private gain over public interest.

3. Transparency and Accountability

- Lack of Oversight: The management of bona vacantia funds by the royal family, particularly through entities like the Duchy of Lancaster, has been criticised for lacking transparency and public accountability. This raises concerns about whether these funds are used appropriately.

- No Democratic Process: The royal family benefits from a system that bypasses democratic scrutiny. This is a relic of feudal privilege rather than a modern practice.

4. Social Inequality

- Disconnection from the Public: In a time of growing social inequality, the optics of the royal family profiting from unclaimed estates—often left behind by individuals who may have lived modest lives—is tone-deaf.

- Ethical Concerns: It is exploitative that wealth from deceased individuals with no heirs is diverted to one of the wealthiest families in the world, rather than to charitable purposes or public services.

5. Moral Responsibility

- Alternatives for Use of Funds: Many argue that bona vacantia funds should go toward charitable causes, social welfare programs, or community initiatives, ensuring that they serve the broader public good rather than private royal interests.

While defenders of the practice might argue that it is a historical tradition and a legitimate part of the funding structure for the royal family, critics see it as an outdated and inequitable privilege that contradicts modern democratic and ethical principles.