10 Richest Monarchs

Although “royalty” is commonly associated with luxury and extravagant language, its importance has decreased in modern times. Nonetheless, some monarchs still hold significant power and wealth, regardless of their authority. When discussing affluent monarchs and royals, it is easy to assume that the late Queen Elizabeth II was the richest. However, this is not the case. Despite being the longest-reigning monarch until her recent passing, her net worth was just over $530 million, much lower than other monarchs who still retain administrative power and own billions.

For instance, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud of Saudi Arabia is estimated to have a net worth of over $20 billion, making him one of the wealthiest monarchs in the world. Similarly, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei, who has been in power since 1967, possesses a fortune estimated to be over $28 billion. These examples highlight that while Queen Elizabeth II was highly respected and influential, her wealth did not surpass that of certain monarchs who wield political and financial might.

This demonstrates that wealth among monarchs can vary significantly, with some possessing immense fortunes that surpass even the wealth of highly respected and influential figures like the late Queen Elizabeth II. It further emphasizes the complex nature of power dynamics within monarchies, where financial resources and political influence can play a significant role. This article highlights a few of these political and economic maestros and how they compare.

King Maha Vajiralongkorn Of Thailand

The monarch of Thailand, known as the King of Thailand, presides over the nation and boasts a staggering net worth between $43 and $30 billion. His wealth primarily stems from investments managed by the esteemed Crown Property Bureau. Following the passing of his father in 2016, the 70-year-old King ascended to the throne and has since entrusted the Crown Property Bureau to oversee his financial assets. These assets include an impressive 16,210 acres of land across Thailand and 40,000 rental arrangements throughout the country, with 17,000 houses in the capital. In addition to his extensive property holdings, the King has made significant investments in two of Thailand’s most prominent businesses – the Siam Cement Group and the Siam Commercial Bank.

Moreover, the King proudly owns the Golden Jubilee Diamond, recognized as the world’s most significant cut and faceted diamond. Thai citizens are well aware of their monarch’s luxurious lifestyle and wealth. This has led to several months of protests by Thai youth calling for monarchy reforms.

Hassanal Bolkiah Of Brunei

The longest-reigning King in the world, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei, is a notable figure in the international community. In addition to his role as the country’s Prime Minister, the Sultan has made a name for himself as one of the wealthiest individuals on the planet. His vast riches are said to have been accumulated through the oil and gas export industry, a sector in which Brunei has prospered in recent years.

The Sultan’s net worth is estimated to be anywhere from $28 to $20 billion, which places him among the elite few in global wealth. He resides in the opulent Istana Nurul Iman, widely recognized as the largest residential palace in the world. The palace boasts over 1,778 rooms, making it a true marvel of architecture and design. In addition to his luxurious living quarters, the Sultan is also known for his impressive collection of automobiles. He owns around 600 Rolls-Royce cars, a testament to his unparalleled taste and extravagant lifestyle. The Sultan of Brunei is a true icon of wealth and luxury, and his influence extends far beyond the borders of his own country.

Salman Of Saudi Arabia

The current King of Saudi Arabia, Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, has accumulated over $20 billion net worth through successful oil investments. His appointment to the position of King was in January 2015, after serving as the governor of Riyadh province for an impressive tenure of over four decades, from February 1963 to November 2011. Salman’s long-standing tenure as governor has allowed him extensive political experience, which he has utilized to become one of the world’s wealthiest and most influential leaders. With his wealth and power, he has made significant contributions to the development of his country. Salman’s residence is in Saudi Arabia, where he leads with honour and distinction.

Under Salman’s leadership, Saudi Arabia has witnessed numerous advancements in various sectors, including infrastructure, education, and healthcare. His dedication to modernization and economic diversification has positioned the country as a key player on the global stage. Salman’s diplomatic skills have also fostered strong relationships with other nations, further enhancing Saudi Arabia’s influence and reputation worldwide.

Mohammed VI Of Morrocco

The King of Morocco, Mohammed VI, is a respected leader dedicated to advancing his country’s growth and progress. His commitment and excellence have earned him a reputation as one of the country’s most highly regarded figures.

Mohammed VI, the current King of Morocco, resides in his home country. He has an impressive net worth of $8.2 – $2.1 billion, mainly derived from investments made by the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority. As the ruler of Morocco, Mohammed VI receives a yearly salary of $488,604, which puts him among the wealthiest monarchs. The King’s interests extend beyond his role as a monarch, as he is a skilled banker and businessman. His family holds a majority stake in Société Nationale d’Investissement (SNI), a conglomerate with interests in various sectors such as banking, mining, real estate, tourism, insurance, telecommunications, and more. Mohammed VI also owns significant rural land, further adding to his vast holdings.

Hans-Adam II Of Liechtenstein

The reigning Prince of Liechtenstein, Johannes Adam Ferdinand Alois Josef Maria Marko d’Aviano Pius von und zu Liechtenstein, has been in power for 25 years. He is renowned for his considerable wealth, estimated to range from $3.5 billion to $7.2 billion. The source of his financial success lies in his ownership of the Prince of Liechtenstein Foundation, which enables him to claim the title of the sixth wealthiest monarch in the world. The Prince of Liechtenstein Foundation holds an extensive art collection, including works by renowned artists such as Raphael and Rembrandt. This collection alone is valued at over $1 billion, contributing significantly to the prince’s overall wealth. Additionally, the foundation invests in various industries, further diversifying the prince’s financial portfolio.

The Prince of Liechtenstein Foundation is a diversified investment vehicle with a vast portfolio of assets, including real estate, art collections, and financial investments. The foundation has consistently generated substantial returns through strategic management and wise investment decisions, contributing to the prince’s immense wealth. Johannes Adam Ferdinand Alois Josef Maria Marko d’Aviano Pius von und zu Liechtenstein is known for his philanthropic endeavours, using his wealth to support various charitable causes globally.

Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Of UAE

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum, a distinguished Emirati statesman and entrepreneur, holds the esteemed positions of Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and the ruler of the Emirate of Dubai. With an astounding net worth of $4 billion, Sheikh Mohammed’s financial success can be traced back to his majority share in Dubai Holding and investments from the renowned Abu Dhabi Investment Authority. Notably, the Sheikh owns 99.67% of Dubai Holding, where he has made significant contributions to the development of the Persian Gulf, including the creation of the iconic artificial palm islands.

Furthermore, he possesses an extravagant vessel named Dubai, an impressive 531 feet long valued at a whopping $350 million. With seven decks, the ship can comfortably accommodate up to 24 guests and 80 crew members, further adding to the Sheikh’s lavish lifestyle. In addition to his impressive business ventures and luxurious possessions, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum is also known for his philanthropic efforts. He has established numerous charitable foundations and initiatives to improve education, healthcare, and infrastructure in the United Arab Emirates and beyond.

His commitment to giving back to society further solidifies his reputation as a visionary leader and compassionate individual. In addition to his impressive business ventures and luxurious yacht, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum is known for his passion for horse racing. He founded Godolphin, a global thoroughbred racing and breeding operation that has achieved great success on international racetracks. The Sheikh’s dedication to the sport has earned him numerous accolades and cemented his status as a prominent figure in the horse racing world.

Juan Carlos I Of Spain

Juan Carlos I, a prominent figure in the Spanish royal family and former politician, has long been known for his significant wealth. His net worth ranges from $2 billion to $2.3 billion, mainly from oil, enterprise, and real estate investments. From November 1975 to June 2014, Juan Carlos I served as the King of Spain. However, his reign ended due to a financial scandal that led to his abdication from the throne. Recently, in 2020, Juan Carlos I decided to exile himself from Spain. This move was prompted by allegations of hiding money in offshore banks and receiving a $100 million payment from Saudi Arabia, which has sparked much controversy and public scrutiny.

These allegations have cast dark glances at Juan Carlos I’s reputation and raised questions about his involvement in corrupt practices. The decision to exile himself may be seen as an attempt to avoid further investigation and legal consequences. The controversy surrounding his actions has also pressured the Spanish monarchy, highlighting the institution’s need for transparency and accountability. The allegations have further raised questions about the integrity of his rule. The scandal has also cast a shadow over the Spanish monarchy. Additionally, the controversy surrounding Juan Carlos I has reignited debates about the role of royalty in modern democracies and whether monarchies should continue to exist. Still, he amassed so much wealth during his time as ruler.

Henri, Grand Duke Of Luxembourg

The Grand Duke of Luxembourg, whose official residence is the Grand Ducal Palace in Luxembourg City, is estimated to have a net worth of approximately $4 billion. The source of his wealth is not publicly known. Alongside his wife, the Grand Duchess, the couple has five children and four grandchildren. The family’s primary residence is Berg Castle, which is located in the town of Colmar-Berg, Luxembourg. In addition to their castle, the family also owns a vacation home in Cabasson, a picturesque town in southern France. It has been reported that the family has been receiving an annual stipend of over $300,000 since 1948 to fulfil their royal duties as the reigning monarchs of Luxembourg. The Grand Duke and Duchess of Luxembourg are known not only for their royal duties but also for their philanthropic efforts. They actively support various charitable organizations and initiatives, aiming to improve the lives of the less fortunate in their country and beyond. Their dedication to public service has earned them immense respect and admiration from both the people of Luxembourg and the international community.

Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani Of Qatar

The royal figurehead known as the Emir of Qatar, who currently resides in Qatar, is reputed to possess a net worth that falls within the range of $2.1 billion to $1.2 billion. This substantial fortune has been amassed through a variety of business ventures, one of which includes the Qatar Investment Authority – an organization charged with the responsibility of supervising and managing the nation’s excess reserves of oil and gas.

Another noteworthy contribution to the Emir’s wealth is his generous donation of $137 million to Al Jazeera, the Arab world’s first-ever global news network. This significant financial backing has undoubtedly played a pivotal role in this groundbreaking media outlet’s growth and success and has also helped bolster the Emir’s financial standing. Also, the elaborate hosting of the recently concluded FIFA World Cup, which ran into hundreds of millions(some sources have figures running in billions), has drawn more attention to the seeming wealth available to this monarch.

In 2018, the Emir of Qatar achieved the distinction of becoming the world’s youngest monarch at the age of just 39 years old. Furthermore, he holds the title of the world’s ninth richest King, a testament to his tireless work ethic and unwavering commitment to excellence in all aspects of his life and career.

Albert II Of Monaco

The Principality of Monaco is home to the esteemed Prince Albert II, who boasts a staggering $1 billion net worth. As a result of his various successful enterprises, such as the société des bains de mer de Monaco and casinos, Prince Albert II has amassed a significant fortune. He is recognized as the tenth richest monarch in the world.

Prince Albert II has been a prominent figure in Monaco’s royal family since he became monarch in 1995. Despite his playboy reputation, he has been highly regarded for his contributions to society. In 1996, he was awarded the prestigious Eagle Award by the US Sports Academy for his significant contributions to the sports field.

In an unexpected turn, Prince Albert II became the Hereditary Prince after his father fell ill and required life-saving surgery. Following the passing of Prince Rainier III in April 2005, Prince Albert II assumed the mantle of the next monarch. Despite the weight of the responsibility, he has continued to serve his country with distinction and has been a beloved figure in Monaco.