The Daily Mail, This is Money - Paper probate applications are taking up to six months.
Six tips to get speedy approval to unlock a loved one's estate after death

SFE chair Michael Culver gives tips on ensuring your probate application is not delayed, including getting a lawyer to review it for a fixed fee before it is submitted.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/money/pensions/article-11491033/Paper-probate-applications-six-months-online-faster.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=1490