Mayfair Lady’s Extraordinary Will Upheld

Mayfair Millionairesss Golda Bechal, who died in 2004, has had her controversial final will upheld in High Court ruling, gifting her £10million estate to the proprietors of a Chinese restaurant with which she had become friendly. Kim Sing Man and his wife, Bee Lian Man set up the Chinese restaurant in commercial premises owned by Bechal.

Mrs Bechal lived into Grosvenor Square, and her will has been the subject of a challenge by her family who claimed they should inherit the estate owing to Bechal suffering from dementia and not being aware of what she was doing.

The court heard that Bechal had formed a friendship with the Mans over two decades, and Mr Man would regularly deliver Cantonese Pickled Leeks to her home. They also shared family holidays together.

Judge Sir Donald Rattee QC said: “In my judgment, on the balance of probabilities, Mrs Bechal had testamentary capacity. The will executed by Mrs Bechal in August 1994 was valid.”.