It is quite common for the executor of a will to also be a beneficiary. As long as the will contains the proper wording it is legal to do this. The executor of the will is the person that has been entrusted with carrying out the deceased wishes as they are written in the will. It is not legal for them to do what they want, it all has to have been specified by the deceased. The website
. http://www.wisewills.co.uk/executors.htm has good information on wills and executors.