Millionaire aristocrat aged 72 reveals his search for a wife to give him an heir has been unsuccessful

A millionaire aristocrat has announced he is still looking for a young wife capable of giving him heirs - a year after he first began his public search.

Sir Benjamin Slade, 72, appeared on ITV’s Good Morning Britain, where he revealed that his efforts so far to find a partner have been unsuccessful - so he has now added romance to the deal.

When the eccentric descendant of King Charles II first announced that it was time for him to settle down a year ago, he made it clear that it wouldn’t be with just anyone - telling This Morning that the ideal woman would be under 5ft 6in and in her 30s to 40s.

Now, despite backlash over his first announcement, Sir Benjamin, who lives in a 13th century estate in Somerset which he also runs as a B&B, told GMB hosts that he is still looking for the perfect match - but going about his search with a different approach.

“I’ve changed my sales spiel,” the aristocrat said. “I now say: ‘Oh, all I want is romance and I want to just use my credit card so they can shop until they drop.

“I want to take you to exotic places and I love gorgeous meals and I rush off on secret holidays. So that’s the sales spiel. I can change it. I’m thinking.”

However, the 72-year-old millionaire insists that companionship and “shared interests” are also part of the deal.

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When asked by host Ben Shephard about such qualities in a relationship, Sir Benjamin said: “I do all that. I’m good at that.”

According to Sir Benjamin, he hasn’t found the right woman yet simply because, although he’s been looking “very hard,” many are too old and don’t want children.

Although other requirements are negotiable, such as being able to fly a helicopter, the baronet said it is time to “have a future” as he’s never had a family and wouldn’t be able to adopt because of his age.

In addition to looking for a “breeder” and “lady of the house,” the business owner is also thinking about the cost-effectiveness of a wife.

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“Actually, wives are a deal,” he told the stunned hosts. “If you can get a wife who is also the chief executive, it’s a deal. You get two for the price of one.”

The elderly aristocrat's requirements and latest update on his search for a wife have been met with shocked amusement from viewers.

“‘Find me a bird who can knock out a couple of heirs for me, I’ll pay her’ haha classy old chap,” one person wrote on Twitter.

Another said: “Sir Benjamin Slade is a proper sitcom character. Looking to buy a wife of 35, with her own driving, shooting and helicopter license. All just to have an heir with.”