Estates in the U.K. are typically issued to the deceased’s lawful spouse, or if they were not married, to their nearest blood relative.

Mr. Payne, a former member of the boy band One Direction, died after falling from a third-story hotel balcony in October.

Payne, who was just 31, died in October 2024 after falling from a third-story hotel balcony in Argentina. His death was ruled accidental, caused by multiple traumatic injuries and both internal and external bleeding. A toxicology report revealed the presence of drugs in his system, triggering an ongoing investigation by authorities.