18 Apr 2011
Royal wedding brings pre nuptials into sharp focus
The world will be watching William and Kate as they tie the knot on 29 April but would it not be prudent to protect the prince's personal fortune by signing a pre-nuptial agreement? It has been reported that Prince William's office has refused to comment on whether he will or won't but Catharine Bell, a partner in Lawrence Graham's Private Capital practice, believes the merits of a pre-nuptial agreement should certainly be considered. She commented:
"In this instance, I believe it would be highly likely a pre-nuptial agreement will have been discussed with the Royal couple - it is now the most effective way to try to protect inherited wealth such as that enjoyed by Prince William, certainly where it has been acquired prior to marriage.
"The high-profile Radmacher v Granatino case, which enhanced the status of pre-nups in England and Wales, demonstrates a significant cultural shift in our attitude to marriage agreements. It is now increasingly regarded as fair that individuals should be able to protect some assets from the ravages of divorce.
"All financial and legal advisers and professional trustees will need to include pre and post-nuptial agreements in their armoury of estate planning tools and must not be squeamish about raising the topic with their wealthy clients.
"Every time a marriage is contemplated, a will drafted or a divorce considered, the pre-nup will be significant, either for its presence or absence."