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Estate Planning Lessons from The Lion King: What Simba’s Story Teaches Us About Wills and Inheritance in England and Wales Disney’s The Lion King is more than just a heartwarming tale of courage, redemption, and the circle of life. Beneath the captivating animation and memorable songs lies a complex narrative about family dynamics, inheritance, and succession—key elements in the world of estate planning. If we reimagine the Pride Lands under the laws of England and Wales, the story offers intriguing insights into how proper estate planning can prevent a kingdom (or estate) from falling into the wrong hands. The Royal Lineage and the Importance of a Will In the film, King Mufasa rules over the Pride Lands with wisdom and benevolence. His heir apparent is his young son, Simba. However, tragedy strikes when Mufasa’s jealous brother, Scar, orchestrates his death and manipulates Simba into exile – spoiler alert! With both the king and the prince out of the picture, Scar seizes the throne. Had this scenario unfolded in England and Wales, the absence of a valid Will could lead to a legal quagmire. Under the Rules of Intestacy, if someone dies without a Will, their estate is distributed according to the Rules of Intestacy. As Mufasa’s direct descendant, Simba would be the primary beneficiary. Scar, being a sibling, would only inherit if there were no surviving spouse, children, grandchildren, or great-grandchildren. We already know that Simba’s mum – Sarabi would have benefited before Simba and certainly before Scar.  The Forfeiture Rule: Crime Doesn’t Pay Scar’s nefarious actions introduce the Forfeiture Rule into our hypothetical situation. This rule states that a person who unlawfully kills another cannot benefit from their death. In legal terms, Scar would be barred from inheriting any part of Mufasa’s estate due to his role in the king’s death. His claim to the throne (or estate) would be invalidated, leaving the kingdom in a state of uncertainty. Executors and the Search for Simba In the wake of Mufasa’s death, the responsibility to manage and distribute the estate would fall to the executors named in his Will. If no executors were appointed, the court would designate administrators. Their duties would include: – Identifying and Valuing Assets: Cataloguing the king’s holdings in the Pride Lands. – Settling Debts and Taxes: Ensuring any obligations are met before distribution. – Locating Beneficiaries: Making all reasonable efforts to find Simba. Again, we must remember that despite the fact that Simba was in line to inherit, Sarabi would likely have been sole executor and beneficiary, especially if there is no Will in place unless the Estate is in excess of £322,000. Any inheritance for Simba would have likely been when he became an adult. Picture him walking and singing the Hakuna Matata song). It would be this point when he inherits. Given that Simba is missing and presumed dead, the executors would need to demonstrate due diligence in their search should he be entitled to inherit. This could involve hiring tracing agents or making public notices. Until Simba is found or legally declared deceased, the estate cannot be fully settled. Presumption of Death and Its Implications If Simba remained missing for an extended period, the executors might consider applying for a Declaration of Presumed Death. Under the Presumption of Death Act 2013, a person can be declared dead if they’ve been missing for at least seven years with no evidence of being alive. This legal declaration would allow the estate to be administered, but it’s a lengthy and complex process that executors typically avoid unless absolutely necessary. Scar’s Illegitimate Rule and Adverse Possession Scar’s usurpation of the throne mirrors the concept of Adverse Possession—acquiring legal ownership of property through continuous possession without the owner’s consent. However, in England and Wales, adverse possession requires: – Uninterrupted possession for at least 10 years (for registered land). – An application to the Land Registry. – The original owner’s lack of objection. Scar’s rule fails on all counts. His possession is neither lawful nor uncontested, especially once Simba returns to assert his rightful claim. Parallels to Hamlet: A Tale as Old as Time Many critics draw parallels between The Lion King and Shakespeare’s Hamlet. Both stories involve a prince seeking to avenge his father’s death at the hands of an uncle. This timeless narrative highlights the chaos that can ensue when succession is disrupted—whether by foul play or lack of clear legal directives. For anyone who is a fan of The Last Kingdom, this is a similar story line for Uhtred, Lord of Bebbanburg. Lessons Learned: Safeguarding Your Legacy While most families won’t face royal betrayals or missing heirs, The Lion King serves as a metaphor for the importance of meticulous estate planning. Key takeaways include: – Draft a Comprehensive Will: Clearly outline how your assets should be distributed to prevent disputes. – Appoint Trustworthy Executors: Choose individuals who will act in the best interest of your beneficiaries. – Plan for Contingencies: Consider scenarios like missing beneficiaries or simultaneous deaths. Ok, so maybe this one isn’t too likely. – Communicate Your Wishes: Keep open lines of communication with your loved ones to minimise confusion. How SLS Wills and More Can Help At SLS Wills and More, we understand that estate planning can feel as daunting as reclaiming a kingdom. Our experienced team is here to guide you through every step, ensuring your legacy is protected and your wishes are honoured. Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.