Jurisdiction(s):
United Kingdom

Related legal acts

Key definition

Assent definition

What does Assent mean? In probate practice, an assent is the act or instrument by which personal representatives (executors or administrators) transfer estate assets to a beneficiary in satisfaction of a will or intestacy entitlement. Only personal representatives can give an assent. It is usually used once debts, taxes and expenses are provided for and the beneficiary’s interest is confirmed. An assent gives effect to the gift: after assenting, the personal representatives hold the asset on bare trust for the beneficiary until any remaining formalities (such as land registration or re-registration of shares) are completed. Use and terminology are broadly consistent across...

Royal Charters: UK framework on establishment, governance, judicial review, corporate powers and restrictions, amendment and surrender

Published by a LexisNexis Public Law expert

Practice notes

What is a Royal Charter?

The meaning of the term ‘Royal Charter’ has shifted over the centuries. At first, it was the method by which the Crown bestowed corporate personality on bodies of persons undertaking activities for public, or private, benefit. In contemporary use it largely signifies an honorary status, awarded to distinguished professional bodies or charitable organisations that can show a record of achievement and are regarded as financially sound by the Privy Council. The expression is also applied to municipal charters, which create towns and cities.

Historical usage

Securing a Royal Charter was the earliest route to obtain corporate personality for bodies of persons carrying out activities for public, or private, benefit.

Key early grants included:

The University of Cambridge in 1231 for public benefit;
The Sadlers Company in 1272 for private benefit.

Beyond educational institutions, such as universities, and livery companies, the Royal Charter became increasingly associated with groups of persons practising a profession. This began with the Royal College of Physicians of London in 1518 and has since come to be synonymous with regulated, high standards. Charters were later granted to major economic institutions...

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Adam Cygan

University of Leicester

Professor Adam Cygan is Professor of European Union Law at the University of Leicester. His research focuses on institutional and constitutional governance within the Internal Market with a particular emphasis upon the legislative process. Professor Cygan has published extensively on the role of national parliaments in EU decision-making and his research challenges core assumptions within EU integration concerning the constitutional principles of accountability and democracy. In particular, his research has examined the contribution made by parliamentary committees to improving accountability within EU governance. Professor Cygan also has also published extensively on governance issues surrounding the operation of the Internal Market including access to healthcare and free movement of persons. Professor Cygan has significant experience of delivering elite-level consultancy and training to a variety of target groups including members of the judiciary, civil servants, policy makers and legislators. He has worked on a...

Darragh Connell

Darragh deals with all aspects of commercial law with specific emphasis upon domestic and international contractual disputes, insolvency, civil fraud as well as crypto asset recovery. He has a busy commercial litigation practice regularly appearing in the High Court. Prior to joining the Bar, Darragh worked as an analyst with Goldman Sachs in London. He holds a First Class Honours law degree from University College Dublin and he was the Swift MacNeill Scholar at the Honorable Society of the Kings Inns in 2008. Darragh also holds a Masters in Commercial Law from the University of Cambridge (Gonville and Caius College)....

Web page updated on 28/05/2026

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