A 79-year-old British aristocrat has made headlines with his very specific quest to find a new wife, a search that includes requirements ranging from marksmanship to star signs.
Sir Benjamin Slade, a baronet descended from King Charles II, is publicly seeking a bride who is at least twenty years his junior. He has explicitly stated that applicants over the age of 60 need not apply.
A Detailed List of Prerequisites
In exchange for taking on the role, the successful candidate would receive an annual allowance of £50,000 to help manage his sprawling 1,300-acre estate in Somerset. However, earning this stipend requires meeting a long and particular list of criteria.
The prospective bride must not be a Scorpio, use drugs, or be an alcoholic. Sir Benjamin has also expressed his desire for a 'good breeder' to provide him with a male heir, stating that two or three sons would be ideal to secure the family line.
His geographical preferences are equally precise. He declared, "I don't mind Canadians, Americans, Germans and Northern Europeans... I don't think marrying an Eskimo is for me." He also stated that he does not want a wife from any country beginning with the letter 'I' that has green in its flag.
Essential Skills for Estate Life
The list of required skills is extensive and tailored for life on a grand estate. The ideal partner must be able to fire a shotgun, hold a driving licence, and possess a helicopter licence would be considered a bonus.
She must be capable of running his two castles, with estate management, legal, or accountancy training deemed 'useful'. Furthermore, she should be able to ballroom dance, play bridge and backgammon, and complete crosswords.
A physically active lifestyle is a must, including fast walking and swimming. Additional stipulations include that she must not read the Guardian newspaper, be Scottish, and must be taller than 5ft 6ins.
The Motives Behind the Marriage
Sir Benjamin has clarified that his search for a younger wife is driven by practical and financial considerations, primarily concerning inheritance tax.
"Death tax is 40 per cent and the only way I can pass the estate and art collection etc on is to leave it to the wife tax free who then disposes it to my distant relatives," he explained.
For this plan to work, his wife would need to survive him by at least seven years. "She would also have to be insured, that's why we need a lady at least 20 years younger than me as I cannot insure an older wife," he added, noting that the widow would receive a financial percentage for passing on the estate.
Sir Benjamin Julian Alfred Slade is the son of Sir Michael Nial Slade, 6th Baronet, and was educated at Millfield School. He currently resides at Maunsel House in Bridgwater, Somerset.
