Resolved Question: a question on distributing a will?

a will contained an interest in a property to 2 beneficiaries , but the beneficiaries were not informed at the time of the will being sorted out: they have been told this is because the widow had a life interest in the property and therefore as they would not get anything until she died, the 2 beneficiaries have only just found out they have an interest in the property 8 years after their grandfathers death.. I thought probate law meant that they had to be informed at the time, as they are beneficiaries.
This information has been given to us by the solicitor who dealt with the will at the time, but they also admit things weren’t done quiet right at the time….Do we believe what the solicitors are saying or are they covering up for their mistakes?