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.

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.

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