Full Breakdown
Paul Samuel’s £10 million estate remains locked in High Court dispute
By Drooid · · How we work
Background and trust structure
Mountaineer, author and entrepreneur Paul Samuel died on June 30, 2018 in an avalanche on Alpamayo in Peru. His will created two trusts intended to give equal shares to his partner, Ana Lesiak Samuel, and his daughter, Kate Samuel. The estate includes a £780,000 farm in Shropshire and other assets. Kate has already received a £1 million payout; Ana was handed the farm and another property.
Recent High Court hearing
A London High Court hearing examined accusations that Ana’s conduct has stalled the final distribution. The barrister also said the relationship between Ana and Kate has been “strained for some time” and that Ana’s refusal to allow Kate’s mother at the memorial heightened tensions.
Representing Ana, Alexander Learmonth KC contended that Ana was expressly chosen by the deceased as executor and that removal would be “a drastic step.” He noted Ana’s professional background (MBA, business-finance career) and a resolved period of poor mental health in 2024. Learmonth asserted that Ana has been working to fulfil Paul’s wishes, including publishing his book and raising funds for a Nepal school.
Mrs Unett, the lawyer appointed trustee, has applied to be made sole administrator, claiming the estate is “almost complete.” Her barrister Mark Baxter echoed Kate’s position, describing Ana’s approach as “uncooperative, if not combative,” and urging the court to dismiss the application as defective.
The half-day hearing was adjourned, with the case slated to return to court at a later date.
Official statements & responses
- Kate’s side seeks Ana’s removal as executor and trustee, alleging her conduct has caused “substantial delay and wasted cost.”
- Ana’s side maintains that the court-approved distribution is binding and that she is acting in accordance with Paul’s wishes.
- Mrs Unett argues that Ana’s insistence on a mistaken grant and refusal to hand over administration files have impeded completion.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The deceased never intended Ana to act as the sole executor.” — Alexander Learmonth KC
What’s next
The dispute will resume in future High Court proceedings, where the judge will decide whether to replace Ana as executor and trustee.
