Legal Definitions - benevolentia regis habenda

Benevolentia Regis Habenda

Historically, benevolentia regis habenda referred to a payment made to a monarch (such as a king or queen) to secure their favor, specifically to obtain a royal pardon for an offense and to have one's lost status, property, or privileges restored. This payment essentially bought the "king's good will" to reverse a forfeiture or punishment and reinstate the individual to their former position or rights.

Here are some examples illustrating this concept:

• Example 1: Restoration of a Noble's Estate
  Lord Ashworth had his ancestral lands and noble title confiscated after he was perceived to have sided with a rebellious faction during a period of political unrest. Once the reigning monarch firmly re-established control, Lord Ashworth, seeking to avoid further punishment and reclaim his family's heritage, offered a substantial sum of gold and pledges of unwavering loyalty to the crown.

  This payment, representing benevolentia regis habenda, successfully secured the king's pardon for his past perceived disloyalty and led to the full restoration of his lands and peerage, allowing him to resume his place among the nobility.

• Example 2: Reinstatement of Trading Privileges
  A wealthy merchant, Sir Reginald, faced severe penalties when he was found to have violated a royal decree concerning the importation of certain goods. As a result, his ships were impounded, and his exclusive royal charter for trade with a lucrative foreign port was revoked, threatening to ruin his business.

  To regain his economic standing, Sir Reginald presented a significant financial offering directly to the royal treasury. This act of benevolentia regis habenda persuaded the king to grant him a pardon for his transgression, release his ships, and reinstate his valuable trading charter, thereby restoring his commercial privileges.

• Example 3: Return to a Royal Office
  Lady Eleanor, a prominent lady-in-waiting, was dismissed from her influential position at court and had her personal allowance from the crown suspended after being implicated in a minor scandal involving a rival noble family. Though her involvement was minimal, the king's displeasure led to her immediate removal.

  After a period of exile from court, Lady Eleanor's family arranged for a generous gift to be presented to the queen, along with a formal petition expressing deep regret and renewed devotion. This payment, acting as benevolentia regis habenda, softened the monarch's stance, leading to Lady Eleanor's pardon and her eventual reinstatement to her former position and privileges within the royal household.