Post by : Badri Ariffin

New Delhi:

Sir Benjamin Slade, a 79-year-old British nobleman, has reignited his rather public pursuit for a younger spouse—someone he believes can bear a male heir worthy of his extensive 1,300-acre estate. The seventh Baronet of Maunsel House is inviting contenders for what he calls a “position,” which offers an annual salary, housing, and a unique set of criteria.

For decades, Slade has been keen on finding a successor. His previous attempts have included newspaper advertisements, online dating profiles, and memorable television appearances, garnering global attention for their peculiar nature. Yet, despite the publicity surrounding his efforts, he has yet to secure the companionship he feels is necessary to ensure his lineage continues.

In his latest announcement, Slade has released an updated list of attributes that disqualify potential candidates. Women born under the Scorpio sign, those who read the Guardian, or hail from countries that start with the letter “I,” as well as those whose national flags feature the color green, are among those he deems unsuitable. Conversely, candidates possessing a helicopter license or a legal profession earn bonus points.

Slade’s preferred age range is distinctly outlined; he is seeking someone three to four decades younger, clarifying that the primary goal is to ensure an heir for Maunsel House. He also welcomes applicants who have daughters “somewhere in between.”

According to Slade, the offer on the table is straightforward: £50,000 annually, along with full accommodation and meals. He has also expressed that personal wealth could be advantageous, saying in one requirement that “a little private capital” is welcome, while “a large fortune” would be an even greater asset.

Despite his vast holdings, Slade is reportedly experiencing financial strain, with his ancestral estate—held by his family since 1772—potentially facing sale to a high-end hotel chain due to a sharp decline in wedding business during the pandemic.

In preparation for the future, he has even stored a nine-month supply of frozen sperm, ready to be used when he finds the “right partner.”

Slade’s unconventional search first gained international attention in 2008. Over the years, he has made several tries at marriage, including having a daughter through IVF with American poet Sahara Sunday Spain in 2021. He has had two weddings called off and was previously married to Pauline Myburgh, a union that ended in 1991 due to disagreements, famously citing her 17 cats as overwhelming.

With his renewed appeal now out in the public domain, Sir Benjamin Slade is optimistic that this time, his prolonged search for a “suitable bride” will culminate in a successful conclusion.

#Global News