The World’s Wealthy Royals & Their Impressive Riches, Ranked
In 43 countries around the world, royal families still hold a lot of power — and unbelievable wealth! Some royals have astounding net worths, far outpacing even the wealthiest and most successful business owners and CEOs across the world.
However, other members of royal families have surprisingly low net worths, so being royalty doesn’t always mean extravagant wealth. Check out the richest royals around the world, from the most financially prosperous to the least.
30. Duchess Meghan, United Kingdom | $5 Million
Duchess Meghan Markle is one of the newest members of the British royal family. Prince Harry, in the style of his great uncle, married the American actress out of pure love and devotion, breaking lots of royal protocol along the way. The duchess was successful in her former life as an actress, but she was no millionaire.
Much of her wealth comes from her marriage to Prince Harry, although she wasn’t a slouch in the income department before. Still, the $450,000 she was earning annually is nothing compared to her current yearly income. It’s not clear yet how that will change with the couple’s recent announcement to step back from their duties.
29. Princess Kate, United Kingdom | $10 Million
Duchess Kate Middleton has always been close to royalty, although she certainly wasn’t born into a royal family. Her status comes from her marriage to Prince William, as does the majority of her net worth. Of course, Prince William’s future inheritance will be shared with Princess Kate.
Prior to her marriage, Kate Middleton wasn’t exactly poor. Her parents founded a successful party supply business worth several million dollars, and her previous wealth and potential inheritance are likely to continue boosting her personal net worth. Her son may become the reigning monarch someday, which also increases her value.
28. King Philippe, Belgium | $13 Million
King Philippe of Belgium doesn’t like to share information about his finances. When numbers were leaked to the press, it became obvious why the aging king was reluctant to share his financial information. Frankly, King Philippe is the poorest of all the European monarchs, which he probably finds embarrassing.
Considering that the Belgian people pay for the royal family to maintain their lifestyle, King Philippe and his family have intentionally attempted to lessen their spending. Still, not all the Belgian royals agree with this practice, most notably King Philippe’s brother. Perhaps he should try banking.
27. King Felipe VI, Spain | $20 Million
King Felipe VI is a complicated character with a passion for his people’s happiness. If he hadn’t cut his own salary and consistently worked to reduce his household expenses, he could have easily earned a spot near the top of this ranking.
That said, King Felipe VI isn’t short on luxuries and comforts. With a total of eight palatial palaces, 10 monasteries and five countryside vacation homes under his belt, the monarch has a plethora of assets that are sure to provide continued income and enormous wealth over time.
26. King Harald V, Norway | $30 Million
King Harald V of Norway is the lucky descendant of royals who smartly invested their wealth. As such, he was born into a rich world of priceless oil paintings, glittering jewelry and plenty of silver and gold. Exempt from all forms of taxation, King Harald V and his family were able to accumulate wealth exceptionally quickly.
In addition to owning a massive number of pricey trinkets, the king has also followed in the footsteps of his ancestors by choosing to invest the royal wealth in many foreign markets. So far, this has been an extremely lucrative move.
25. Prince Philip, United Kingdom | $30 Million
Prince Philip is Queen Elizabeth’s husband, so it might be surprising to learn that the Consort of the Queen has a far lower net worth than his son and grandsons. While his family members earn large annual stipends or allowances that typically average around $5 million or more, Prince Philip only receives about $500,000 every year for his royal duties.
At least, that was true until he officially retired. The older royal now earns his wealth through assets, land holdings, an expansive art collection and stocks. Of course, his wife’s affluence ensures that Philip will never be anything less than incredibly wealthy.
24. Prince William, United Kingdom | $40 Million
Prince William isn’t Queen Elizabeth II’s eldest grandson, but he is one of the wealthiest grandchildren of the famous British monarch. He and his brother, Prince Harry, have a similar net worth of about $40 million. Considering he is set to become king one day, his wealth and power are sure to increase as he ages.
Like his father, Prince William’s wealth mostly comes from land. However, his future inheritance also holds a lot of weight. Should Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Charles pass away during his lifetime, he will become one of the wealthiest royals in Europe.
23. Queen Margrethe II, Denmark | $40 Million
Queen Margrethe II is the product of a German-Swedish union, and she exhibits some of the Prussian power and Swedish conservativeness of her ancestors. Unlike other European monarchs, she comes from a somewhat new dynasty that is less than 200 years old, but in that time, her family has managed to climb the ranks in terms of wealth.
Much of this prosperity is the result of owning land. There must be a “Royal Handbook” out there that encourages them to either buy up as much property as they can or go into banking.
22. Prince Harry, United Kingdom | $40 Million
Prince Harry is tied with his brother in terms of wealth. Now that he is no longer third in line to the throne, it’s unlikely that the red-haired prince will ever become a monarch. However, this seems to suit him — and his wallet — just fine. Like many of his royal family members, Prince Harry receives an annual stipend of several million dollars.
In Prince Harry’s case, he can easily save his millions and accrue even greater affluence and prosperity. It’s not yet clear how his recent announcement to distance himself from the royal family will affect his overall wealth.
21. Emperor Naruhito, Japan | $40 Million
Emperor Naruhito’s wealth was inherited rather than earned. His father worked tirelessly throughout his reign to secure, amass and generate wealth, mostly through the use of commercial ventures and land acquisitions. Because Emperor Naruhito’s reign is only beginning, he may very well follow in his father’s footsteps and increase the family fortune.
Naruhito was made Emperor in 2019 after his father’s poor health resulted in abdication. The new Emperor earns about $3 million each year simply for being royal, and his family members also receive a personal annual stipend.
20. King Carl XVI Gustaf, Sweden | $70 Million
King Mswati III may have only been 18 when he took the throne, but King Carl XVI Gustaf became a monarch at the tender age of 4. His young age allowed the Swedish government to rid the ancient dynasty of much of its power, leaving King Carl XVI Gustaf with very little to do but bask in his wealth.
The Swedish king is the nation’s longest ruling monarch and certainly one of its wealthiest. He receives several million dollars every year for performing his “royal duties,” and his land holdings and palace home are worth millions.
19. Pope Francis, Vatican City | $80 Million
Although most people don’t realize it, Vatican City is an independent country — the smallest in the world, to be exact. Its ruler is the Pope, and the current ruling monarch is Pope Francis. With an estimated net worth of $80 million, the religious leader has plenty of funds to dole out to charitable causes.
It may be good to be a king, but it pays to be a pope. Although the religious ruler’s monthly stipend is not impressive — only about $3,000 — the wealth, history and power imbued in the position of Pope is nearly priceless.
18. King Willem-Alexander, Netherlands | $200 Million
King Willem-Alexander is a descendant in a long line of Nordic monarchs. His ascension to the throne occurred rather recently, in 2013. Although less than a decade has passed since then, he has still managed to become one of the wealthiest monarchs in the world with a net worth of about $200 million.
With an annual stipend of nearly $50 million, it’s easy to understand how King Willem-Alexander could amass so much wealth in such a short period. It also helps that he inherited a palace, a villa and a considerable chunk of real estate.
17. King Mswati III, Swaziland | $200 Million
King Mswati III became King of Swaziland when he was only 18 years old. Many monarchs thrust into that position would probably make a few foolish mistakes, but he has proven himself to be a capable and financially motivated ruler — to the point of harm. Without lifting a finger, King Mswati III earns about $61 million every year.
Many of his people find his luxurious lifestyle extremely offensive, as more than half the country lives in poverty and survives on about $1 per day. Still, taking money out of programs and the national treasury is one way to get rich and stay that way.
16. Prince Charles, United Kingdom | $420 Million
As the eldest son of Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Charles is set to inherit both the throne and a chunk of his mother’s massive wealth upon her death. Because the Prince’s net worth is nearly equal to his mother’s, his ascension will make him one of the wealthiest monarchs in Europe.
Most of Prince Charles’ wealth comes from land holdings, although he does have a few notable offshore investments. He is a firm supporter of improved environmental standards and practices, which may attract like-minded business professionals, ensuring that Prince Charles always has a new venture ahead of him.
15. Queen Elizabeth II, United Kingdom | $520 Million
For Americans, the most famous of the world’s monarchs is undoubtedly Queen Elizabeth II. At 93, she is currently the world’s oldest reigning monarch. Every year, she passively earns about $50 million — sometimes, far more. Although her lavish lifestyle does consume a significant portion of this income, she still manages to save plenty every year.
Although her individual net worth is far less than her Middle Eastern counterparts — and a few other European monarchs — the combined wealth of the British royal family is still quite staggering. You do the math!
14. Emir Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Kuwait | $600 Million
Emir Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah has done some fairly wild things to stay in power, including — but not limited to — dissolving both the National Assembly and Parliament of Kuwait. Without any checks and balances to restrain him, he approved an increase in his annual stipend, allowing him to passively earn about $188 million every year.
The monarch rules with an absolutist attitude, allowing him to gain more wealth and prosperity, even if it causes problems for his people. Because of this, he is an extremely unpopular yet cunning investor, businessman and ruler.
13. Sultan Qaboos bin Said al Said, Oman | $700 Million
Sultan Qaboos bin Said al Said enjoyed the longest reign of any Middle Eastern ruler — almost half a century. Throughout this period, he amassed substantial wealth, including four colossal luxury yachts, a palace and even a personalized musical composition in his honor.
By marrying his first cousin, the sultan ensured his wealth and legacy would remain within the family. His children can look forward to doubling or tripling their current net worth throughout their lives, especially if they decide to go into finance. Update: Sultan Qaboos bin Said al Said passed away on January 10, 2020.
12. King Abdullah II, Jordan | $750 Million
King Abdullah II of Jordan is one of the last monarchs to claim the divine right to rule. He traces his lineage to the original Muhammed — the prophet who began the religion of Islam. With a background like that, it’s easy to see how he ended up ridiculously wealthy.
Overall, this king is vastly different from his royal neighbors. He has implemented a variety of liberal policies in Jordan, and he has also encouraged and increased tourism, ensuring the nation’s treasury continues to grow. King Abdullah II enjoys motorcycles and water sports with his $750 million net worth.
11. Prince Albert, Monaco | $1 Billion
Grace Kelly, the American actress who left the States behind to marry Prince Rainier III of Monaco, would be proud of her son, Prince Albert. Not only does he have the “grace” and style of his mother, but his father imbued him with nearly a millennium of dynastic experience and royal favor.
Prince Albert’s enormous wealth is the result of this legacy combined with various modern business ventures. The famed royal owns large shares of Monaco’s gambling businesses, which generate a hefty amount of income. He also owns a considerable amount of land in both Monaco and France.
10. King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, Bahrain | $2 Billion
King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa started life as the privileged son of a Crown Prince. Before he was made King of Bahrain, he functioned as the country’s Emir, and he has held many positions and earned several titles in his 69 years. He has also acquired a considerable amount of wealth.
Although his reign has been marked by political unrest and civil rights protests, King Hamad shares strong ties with the British Royal Family and Parliament, thanks to his British education and stint in the Royal Army. Perhaps his friendships help keep his pockets full.
9. Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Qatar | $2.1 Billion
Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani is one of the world’s youngest monarchs (39 years old), and he’s also one of the richest. As the Emir of Qatar, he rules the wealthiest country in the world, which probably makes earning and saving money a cinch.
The young Sheikh has run into some issues with international organizations and the press after allegations concerning migrant workers were made public in 2014. Some of his vast wealth may be derived from the use of cheap migrant labor — a questionable practice for any nation, particularly the world’s richest.
8. Emir Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai, U.A.E. | $4 Billion
As you’ve probably noticed, many of the wealthiest royals hold multiple titles in the countries where they rule. Emir Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum is the Vice President of the United Arab Emirates, the ruler of Dubai and a royal Sheikh. Dubai is one of the richest places in the world, and its ruler is almost equally wealthy.
Emir Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum is responsible for creating — or at least funding — the tallest building in the world, Burj Khalifa. He has also launched a series of economically rewarding projects, further inflating his net worth.
7. Grand Duke Henri, Luxembourg | $4 Billion
Luxembourg is yet another minuscule European nation with a fabulously wealthy ruler. About 47 times smaller than New York, Luxembourg is home to some truly affluent individuals, including Grand Duke Henri, who happens to live in gorgeous Berg Castle.
Unlike his wealthy royal counterparts, Grand Duke Henri’s wealth seems to be totally derived from a solid inheritance and centuries of smart ancestral business practices. It also helps that the average net worth of the citizens of Luxembourg is nearly $1,000,000. With a wealthy populace like that, the atmosphere itself seems to generate wealth.
6. Prince Hans-Adam II, Liechtenstein | $7.2 Billion
Prince Hans-Adam II is at the helm of tiny Liechtenstein. In comparison, Rhode Island is 17 times larger than the small German-speaking nation. Regardless, he is easily the wealthiest European royal in the world. Like many other entrepreneurial royals, he is heavily involved in banking.
His art collection is expansive, with much of it kept in the Liechtenstein Museum for safekeeping. Like many who have come before him, Prince Hans-Adam II has kept his wealth within the family by marrying a distant relative, his second cousin once removed, Countess Marie Aglaë Kinsky von Wchinitz und Tettau.
5. King Mohammed VI, Morocco | $8.2 Billion
King Mohammed VI of Morocco is part of a dynasty that stretches back to 1631. That is nearly four centuries of royal command — and royal wealth. He is a skilled — and possibly occasionally corrupt — banker and businessman. It should also be noted that he earned many of his assets, rather than simply inheriting them.
King Mohammed VI owns a staggering amount of land that he primarily uses for agriculture, which allows him to take advantage of tax benefits and exclusions that pertain to such land use. He’s a smart guy and far more financially ambitious than many other royals.
4. Emir Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi, U.A.E. | $18 Billion
Emir Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan is the President of the United Arab Emirates in addition to being the Emir of Abu Dhabi. He is also a military commander. In short, he’s got a lot of power and a stellar reputation, which tends to result in an enormous pile of money — or gold might be more appropriate.
To aid in his accumulation of wealth, Emir Khalifa has made some sizable investments — mostly land acquisitions. He has also made a mark on international politics and relations, ensuring that the proverbial well never runs dry.
3. King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, Saudi Arabia | $18 Billion
Just like Bolkiah, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud is a Prime Minister and a royal commander. However, unlike Bolkiah, he hasn’t proven to be a socially or culturally oppressive ruler. In fact, in 2017, he granted Saudi women the right to drive. That may not seem like much to Westerners, but it was a big deal in Saudi Arabia!
King Salman, now 83 years old, can relax and enjoy his $18 billion of wealth. His son, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, is quietly running the show these days.
2. Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, Brunei | $28 Billion
Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah is both the royal ruler and the Prime Minister of Brunei. He is an absolute monarch who exercises total control over his country. As the second longest reigning monarch in the world, he has had plenty of time to fill his royal coffers.
Bolkiah not only holds the purse strings to Brunei’s treasury, but he also invested a massive amount of time and effort into building and acquiring businesses — most notably, hotels. His financial practices have fallen under some international scrutiny over the last few decades.
1. King Maha Vajiralongkorn, Thailand | $43 Billion
King Maha Vajiralongkorn of Thailand is the wealthiest royal in the world. At 67 years old, he has inherited and amassed a jaw-dropping $43 billion. While many people assume the richest royals originate from the Middle East — and there’s some truth to that — King Maha is proof that extravagant wealth does exist outside the U.A.E.
While CEO Jeff Bezos’s net worth is more than double that of King Maha, that by no means lessens the Thai king’s affluence, power and ostentatious wealth. He is also the oldest Thai monarch to ascend to the throne.
