In the matter of the Baronetcy of Pringle of Stichill

In the matter of the Baronetcy of Pringle of Stichill

The right to succeed to the baronetcy of Stichill is imprescriptible under Scots law. DNA evidence is admissible and demonstrates to a high degree of probability that Norman Hamilton Pringle was not the son of the eighth baronet. Therefore, Simon Robert Pringle is not the heir male of the first baronet, and Norman Murray Archibald MacGregor Pringle is entitled to succeed to the baronetcy. No legal ground exists for excluding the DNA evidence based on prescription, mora, taciturnity, acquiescence, breach of confidence, or breach of data protection.

Citation
[2016] UKPC 16
Parties
Claimant: Simon Robert Pringle; Claimant: Norman Murray Archibald MacGregor Pringle; Deceased, Former Baronet: Sir Steuart Robert Pringle
Jurisdiction
United Kingdom
Judgment Date
20 June 2016
Procedural Posture
Referral Under Section 4 of the Judicial Committee Act 1833 / Judgment
Outcome
Norman Murray Archibald MacGregor Pringle is entitled to be entered on the Official Roll of the Baronetage as the Baronet of Pringle of Stichill.
Legal Topics
Baronetcy Succession, DNA Evidence Admissibility, Prescription, Mora, Taciturnity and Acquiescence, Breach of Confidence, Data Protection Act 1998
Succession Titles of Honour Evidence Data Protection Baronetcy Succession DNA Evidence Admissibility Prescription Mora, Taciturnity and Acquiescence +2 more

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Parties

Simon Robert Pringle

Claimant

Norman Murray Archibald MacGregor Pringle

Claimant

Sir Steuart Robert Pringle

Deceased, Former Baronet

Procedural Posture

Referral Under Section 4 of the Judicial Committee Act 1833 / Judgment

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Who is entitled to be entered on the Official Roll of the Baronetage as the Baronet of Pringle of Stichill?
  2. 2 Should DNA evidence obtained from Sir Steuart Robert Pringle be admitted to determine entitlement?
  3. 3 Can entitlement to a title of honour be lost by passage of time, parental acknowledgement, or enrolment?

Ratio Decidendi

The right to succeed to the baronetcy of Stichill is imprescriptible under Scots law. DNA evidence is admissible and demonstrates to a high degree of probability that Norman Hamilton Pringle was not the son of the eighth baronet. Therefore, Simon Robert Pringle is not the heir male of the first baronet, and Norman Murray Archibald MacGregor Pringle is entitled to succeed to the baronetcy. No legal ground exists for excluding the DNA evidence based on prescription, mora, taciturnity, acquiescence, breach of confidence, or breach of data protection.

Court Disposition

Norman Murray Archibald MacGregor Pringle is entitled to be entered on the Official Roll of the Baronetage as the Baronet of Pringle of Stichill.

Orders

  • DNA evidence obtained from Sir Steuart Robert Pringle is admitted for determining entitlement.
  • Simon Robert Pringle is not the heir male of the first baronet.