Top 10 Richest Royal Families In The World

Magi Linh May 06, 2023 | 06:07

Among 26 current monarchy countries in the world, there are as many as 10 dynasties from Europe to the Middle East who control a net worth of over $2.4 trillion (£1.87trn). Check out who they are and what exact number of assets do they own.

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Princely Family of Liechtenstein celebrates the National Day.

1. Liechtenstein's royal family - $4.4 billion (£3.57bn)

In or around 1136, the name Liechtenstein was first recorded. Hugo von Liechtenstein's name likely derives from Liechtenstein Castle, which is located south of Vienna. Heinrich I von Liechtenstein, who passed away in 1265 or 1266, marked the start of the continuous family line.

King Ottokar of Bohemia granted Heinrich I von Liechtenstein freehold ownership of the baronial estate of Nikolsburg in South Moravia. The Liechtenstein family valued this gift highly because it added to their collection of real estate in Bohemia, which they already owned in addition to their properties in Austria.

The family split into the Liechtenstein, Rohrauer, and Petroneller branches in the thirteenth century. The last two, however, only survived into the next generation, which resulted in the loss of a substantial amount of priceless family assets.

Family Law Secures Ownership

The Steyregger, Feldsberger, and Nikolsburger lines were created as a result of a family covenant in 1504 at the beginning of the 16th century. Only the Feldsberger line survived, but this time, because of carefully crafted family laws, any property belonging to the lines that perished passed into the ownership of the line that survived.

The royal dynasty of Liechtenstein, one of only two European royal families in our ranking, is ranked tenth with an estimated net worth of $4.4 billion (£3.57 billion). Prince Hans-Adam II, the current king, is the primary beneficiary of the family's wealth.

Since its establishment as a sovereign state in 1806, Hans-Adam II has been the most recent in a long line of kings to rule over the small Alpine principality. The family's private bank, LTG Group, which the financier royal controls through a foundation and doesn't pay taxes on, is where the majority of his wealth comes from.

Along with the bank, the Prince of Liechtenstein Foundation also oversees a portfolio of valuable real estate, flourishing businesses, and other profitable investments, not to mention a top-notch art collection that includes works by Raphael, Rembrandt, and Van Dyck. In February 2020, Prince Hans-Adam II made headlines for the wrong reasons after losing a legal battle over the ownership of one of his properties that Czechoslovakia had taken after the Second World War. Despite the fact that the decision is unlikely to have had much of an impact on the family's enormous wealth, the court determined that the disputed land should properly belong to the Czech Republic and it was returned.

2. Morocco's royal family: $8.2 billion (£6bn)

Moroccan architecture dazzles visitors, and the country is frequently referred to as the most beautiful in all of North Africa. Additionally, a famous royal family resides there.

The crown prince Moulay Hassan, 16, and princess Lalla Khadija, 12, are the children of King Mohammed VI and his wife, Princess Lalla Salma. The future king Moulay is leaving a lasting impression on everyone he meets, and it's not just because his family's wealth is estimated to be worth US$5.7 billion.

The Alaouite dynasty, which was established in 1631 but dates back to the 13th century, is currently in power in Morocco. 19 people make up the core family, which is headed by King Mohammed VI, who took the throne in 1999.

The Moroccan royal family is the ninth richest royal family in the world, according to most estimates, with a net worth of about $8.2 billion (£6 billion). The Moroccan royal family not only has assets worth billions of dollars, but it also has one of the world's longest civil lists—that is, a line of royals who receive compensation from the government in exchange for their services to the state.

Moulay Hassan, age 17, the eldest of King Mohammed VI and Princess Lalla Salma's two children, is next in line to the throne. Princess Lalla Khadija, a 14-year-old daughter, is another child they have. In 2018, it was revealed that the young crown prince had received a private jet to travel the world and that he intended to pursue a career in aviation after completing his education. Morocco, on the other hand, referred to this report as "fake news" and claimed that the Royal Armed Forces had bought the plane for travel by senior officials.

3. Dubai's royal family - $18 billion (£14.6bn)

Top 10 Richest Royal Families In The World

In Dubai, the House of Maktoum is in charge. The royal dynasty, which dates back to 1833, consists of 12 immediate family members and hundreds of extended family members. Their combined wealth has been estimated to be around $18 billion (£14.6 billion).

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the head of the dynasty and the ruler of Dubai, is by far the wealthiest family member. The sheikh, who has been in power since 2006 and is also the vice president and prime minister of the United Arab Emirates, is renowned for his generosity and oversees the investment company Dubai Holdings. Rashid Al Maktoum is rumored to have spent a record-breaking $100 million (£49.4 million) on his wedding to senior wife Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum in 1979. Rashid Al Maktoum has six wives.

In addition to owning some opulent residences throughout Europe and one of the biggest yachts in the world, Rashid Al Maktoum is also well-known in the horse racing industry. The world's largest horse racing breeding facility, Darley Stud, is owned by the sheikh, who has emerged as the sport's most significant figure. Following the publication of videos showing his daughter Princess Latifa (pictured here riding) in solitary confinement after trying to flee Dubai in 2018, there has been much speculation about the sheikh's authority.

4.Brunei's royal family: at least $28 billion (£22.7bn)

The House of Bolkiah, Brunei's royal dynasty, was established in 1363 and has intermittently ruled the Southeast Asian nation ever since. Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, who has held the position for the past 54 years, is the ruler.

Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei, the world's second-longest-reigning living monarch (after Queen Elizabeth II), is also the second-richest royal in the world, with an estimated net worth of $28 billion. Oil and natural gas exports are the source of the 72-year-old's wealth.

He once held the title of richest man in the world, with a net worth estimated at $40 billion. In his earlier years, the sultan was known for his extravagant spending, which included commissioning the $1.4 billion Istana Nurul Iman, the largest residential palace in the world, as well as his collection of more than 500 Rolls-Royces.

Due to Brunei's enormous oil reserves, the family has amassed absurd wealth. According to Forbes, the sultan was estimated to be worth $20 billion (£12.29 billion) in 2011. According to Asia Tatler, his net worth may actually be closer to $28 billion (£22.7 billion). The late Prince Azim (pictured center left), who was fourth in line to the throne and was thought to have a fortune of $5 billion (£3.88bn) before his tragic death in October of last year as a result of a protracted illness, is another notable member of the family.

Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, known for his extravagant lifestyle, resides in the Istana Nurul Iman palace, which has a total area of 2.2 million square feet (200,000 square meters) and holds the Guinness World Record for the largest residential palace in the world. Its startling $1.4 billion (£941.8m) construction cost was incurred in 1984. The head of the Bolkiah family is also said to own several private aircraft in addition to 7,000 supercars, including 600 Rolls-Royces and 300 Ferraris.

5. Thailand's royal family: Up to $60 billion (£48.7bn)

King Maha Vajiralongkorn is the wealthiest king in the world and one of Thailand's most divisive monarchs in the country's history. In 2016, the 67-year-old succeeded his late father, the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej, to the Thai throne. The Crown Property Bureau, a body responsible for overseeing the royal estates of the Kingdom of Thailand, is where the wealth of the Thai royal family is kept.

The bureau was previously under the control of the Finance Ministry, but this changed in 2017 when King Maha Vajiralongkorn took control of the organization and gave him full personal ownership of its assets. This includes shares in the Siam Cement Group and Siam Commercial Bank with a combined value of up to $9 billion, as well as 6,560 hectares of land in Thailand with 40,000 rental contracts nationwide. According to Reuters, the bureau has new projects worth about $4.7 billion in development.

Since 1782, the Chakri dynasty has been in power in Thailand, and the nation still holds it in the highest regard. Following the passing of his father King Bhumibol Adulyadej in 2016, the reigning monarch, Maha Vajiralongkorn, ascended to the throne.

The royal family's net worth, according to analysts, is between $30 billion and $60 billion (£24.4 billion to £48.7 billion), all of which was transferred to the king in 2018 after being overseen for 80 years by the nation's Crown Property Bureau. King Maha Vajiralongkorn, who is estimated to have a fortune worth $30 billion (£24.4 billion), is the most wealthy royal in the world. His assets, which can be used at the "King's pleasure," include sizable parcels of expensive real estate in the heart of Bangkok, significant ownership interests in a number of significant Thai corporations, and shares of the upscale hotel chain Kempinski. According to reports, the portfolio brings in about $3 billion (£2.1bn) annually.

6. The British Royal Family - $88 billion (£69bn)

Unquestionably one of the most well-known and adored royal families in the world is the British one. Every member of the family, from Queen Elizabeth II to her adorable grandchildren, has captivated the world's attention in a special way. There are other royal families in the world who may not have the same influence on the world but who are highly respected and admired in their country. It goes without saying that the British royal family holds a significant amount of international status.

Having said that, here are 14 royal families that aren't related to the British royal family that you probably weren't aware of.

The world was shocked when Prince Harry and Megan Markle announced on January 8, 2020, that they intended to resign from their positions as senior royals and become financially independent. Markle's acting career contributed to her estimated net worth of $5 million (£3.9 million), and she reportedly made $50,000 (£39k) per episode of Suits. According to ovemoney, Prince Harry was estimated to be worth at least $25 million (£19.3 million), a large portion of which came from his late mother.

The Sussexes reportedly signed a $100 million (£73.1 million) deal with Netflix over the past year to create their own series, as well as a rumored $25 million (£18.26 million) podcasting agreement with Spotify. These kinds of business agreements will probably pay for the expenses that come with being a royal, if only in name, including their security. Ken Wharfe, a former security guard for Princess Diana, estimates that Harry and Meghan's security will run them $25.5 million (£20 million) annually.

However, the royal family they have left behind is estimated to be worth a staggering $88 billion (£69 billion), according to a Forbes estimate from 2017. The couple's wealth is insignificant in comparison. This estimate takes into account both the value of the family brand and tangible assets like real estate. According to the Sunday Times Rich List 2020, Queen Elizabeth II has the highest personal net worth at an estimated £350 million ($428.3 million). A portion of that comes from the Sovereign Grant, which is the Crown Estate's profit stream, as well as from rental income from properties like Balmoral Castle in Scotland and Sandringham House in Norfolk, England.

7. Abu Dhabi's royal family: $150 billion (£116.6bn)

the family's head Since 2004, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan has served as the president of the UAE and the emir of Abu Dhabi. He also serves as the chairman of the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, which is responsible for managing assets worth an estimated $696.6 billion (£526.1 billion), including Dubai's Burj Khalifa skyscraper, the tallest structure in the world. In addition, the Guardian newspaper reported in October that Khalifa is one of London's wealthiest landlords, with a vast real estate portfolio worth £5.5 billion ($7.1 billion) in the English capital that is expected to generate about £160 million ($205.9 million) in rental income annually.

Sheikh Khalifa holds the positions of President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Supreme Commander of the Union Defense Force, and Emir of Abu Dhabi, the wealthiest emirate in the UAE. His wealth as the ruler of the oil-rich state is derived from its oil reserves, and he serves as the head of the Supreme Petroleum Council.

The 71-year-old also serves as chairman of one of the biggest sovereign wealth funds in the world, the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, which is in charge of managing the Emirate's excess oil reserves. It is estimated to have $828 billion in total assets. He was found to have owned lavish properties in London worth more than $1.7 billion through shell companies in 2016 as a result of the Panama Papers.

8. Qatar's royal family: $335 billion (£253bn)

The House of Thani has ruled Qatar since the middle of the 19th century. Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the current emir and the world's youngest monarch at 40, was appointed in 2013. According to reports, there are thousands of members of the family—possibly 7,000 or 8,000.

After allegedly paying the terrorist group al Qaeda a ransom of $1 billion (£647.5m) for the release of 28 members of a royal hunting party who had been abducted in Iraq two years earlier, the Al Thanis fell out with their Gulf neighbors in 2017. The ruling family of Qatar refuted the claim, claiming that the funds were given to the Iraqi government rather than to terrorist organizations. In any case, the amount was a pittance compared to the family's enormous fortune, which is thought to be a $335 billion (£253 billion) fund.

The assets of the fund include the Shard skyscraper in London, the Olympic Village in the UK capital, and the Harrods department store, as well as sizeable stakes in the Empire State Building in New York and well-known companies like Volkswagen, Barclays, and British Airways.

9. Kuwait's royal family: $360 billion (£280bn)

The Al Sabah family is in charge in Kuwait. The dynasty has ruled the Middle Eastern nation since 1752, and Sheikh Sabah IV Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah is the current emir. The family is estimated to have 1,000 members in total.

It's difficult to find estimates of the family's net worth, but one from Time magazine in 1991 put it at an astounding $90 billion (£47.4bn). The value of US stocks and shares, which have skyrocketed over the years, is thought to be where much of the wealth is invested.

In fact, according to experts, the wealth of the Kuwaiti royal family may have increased by a factor of four since the early 1990s; the frequently cited figure is $360 billion (£280 billion). The family is said to own sizable stakes in the majority of the top blue-chip US companies, so even this estimate may be on the conservative side.

10. Saudi Arabia's royal family: $1.4 trillion (£1.1tn)

Since 2015, King Salman has held the titles of King of Saudi Arabia, Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, and Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques. The Saudi military intervention in the Yemeni Civil War, the 2017 law allowing Saudi women to drive, and the anti-corruption campaign against Saudi Arabian royalty, politicians, and businessmen, led by his son Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman, are some of his most notable initiatives as the country's ruler.

Although his private business interests are not made public, the head of the House of Saud has most of his wealth invested in oil reserves and other energy-related assets.

The House of Saud, which is estimated to be worth more than a staggering $1.4 trillion (£1.1tn), is the wealthiest royal family in the world. The 15,000 or so members of the enormous family are divided among this unfathomable wealth.

Since 1744, the House of Saud has ruled the country that bears its name. Since 2015, the country's power and a large portion of its wealth have been held by the current King Salman and his kin. With an estimated wealth of $18 billion (£12.9 billion), he is regarded as the family member with the largest net worth.

The second wealthiest member of the family is Prince Alwaleed bin Talal, who was detained by the Saudi government in 2017 on suspicion of corruption. His estimated net worth is $13.4 billion (£9.6 billion), though the Bloomberg Billionaires Index values his wealth at $17.1 billion (£12.2 billion). Alwaleed's wealth dropped precipitously in late 2018 as the value of his ownership stake in the Kingdom Holding Company reportedly fell by 70% since 2014. The prince was imprisoned for several months before being released in January 2018. He is believed to have paid a settlement fee to the government to secure his release; some reports put the amount as high as $6 billion (£4.36bn). He said there was a "misunderstanding" and added that a settlement fee was "not necessarily" involved.

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