79-Year-Old Baronet Seeks Younger Partner to Ensure Heir

New Delhi:

A 79-year-old British aristocrat has reignited his unconventional and public quest for a young wife—someone he hopes will bear a male heir to inherit his vast 1,300-acre estate. Sir Benjamin Slade, the seventh Baronet of Maunsel House, is once again inviting applicants for what he candidly terms a “position,” complete with an annual salary, housing, and a specified list of personal criteria.

Slade has been on the lookout for a successor for decades. His previous attempts include newspaper advertisements, online profiles, and television segments, often garnering worldwide attention for their eccentricity. Despite all the buzz, he has yet to find the perfect partner to carry on his lineage.

This iteration of his search includes a refreshed list of candidates he says should not apply. His exclusions encompass women who are Scorpios, those who read the Guardian, or hail from nations starting with the letter “I,” along with anyone whose national flag features green. Conversely, applicants with a helicopter license or a legal background gain extra points.

The desired age gap is clearly specified. Slade is looking for a partner three to four decades his junior, emphasizing that his main goal is to ensure an heir for Maunsel House. He also welcomed women with a daughter “in between” to apply.

The financial package he offers is straightforward: £50,000 annually, with full boarding provided. However, he notes that having personal wealth would be “advantageous,” as he states in one requirement that “a little private capital” is beneficial, while “a considerable fortune” would be even better.

Despite his extensive land holdings, Slade reportedly faces liquidity challenges. His ancestral estate, owned by his family since 1772, might be sold to a luxury hotel chain after a significant downturn in wedding venue business during the pandemic.

Prepared for the future, Slade revealed he has a nine-month supply of frozen sperm on standby, awaiting the “right partner.”

His unusual quest first drew international attention in 2008. Over the years, he has made attempts to settle down, including a daughter born via IVF in 2021 with American poet Sahara Sunday Spain. His planned weddings were canceled, and he was previously married to Pauline Myburgh, but their union ended in 1991 over disputes—most notably, he once claimed her 17 cats were overwhelming.

With his renewed public search, Sir Benjamin Slade is optimistic that this time, his long quest for a “suitable bride” may finally culminate in success.