Royal families have long been synonymous with power, prestige, and immense wealth. While some royal dynasties rule vast kingdoms, others govern nations without thrones. But beyond their influence, many are among the richest people on the planet.
Let’s take a closer look at the top 10 wealthiest royal families, ranking them from the least to the most affluent.
10. The Belgian Royal Family – $1.2 Billion
Known for their modesty, Belgium’s royal family quietly controls significant assets. King Philippe leads the monarchy, which benefits from a combination of real estate, investments, and an annual government allowance.
9. The Royal Family of Monaco – $1.5 Billion
Although Monaco is one of the smallest countries, its royal family is anything but small in wealth. Prince Albert II manages a vast portfolio of luxury real estate, including properties in France and the principality itself.
8. The Royal Family of Spain – $2.8 Billion
King Felipe VI of Spain oversees a royal family with significant wealth, built primarily on real estate holdings, artwork, and investments. The Spanish crown’s vast art collection adds a cultural richness to their financial worth.
7. The Royal Family of the Netherlands – $4 Billion
The Dutch royal family, led by King Willem-Alexander, is known for its extensive holdings in companies like Shell and KLM. Their wealth is boosted by a combination of investments, real estate, and one of Europe’s most extensive landholdings.
6. The British Royal Family – $28 Billion
While many associate the British royals with pageantry, their wealth is equally impressive. Beyond the Crown Estate, the family enjoys vast landholdings, investments, and private estates like Balmoral Castle and Sandringham House.
5. The Brunei Royal Family – $30 Billion
Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei is renowned for his lavish lifestyle and vast fortune. The sultanate’s wealth comes primarily from its rich oil and gas reserves, making it one of the wealthiest in the world.
4. The Royal Family of Thailand – $30-60 Billion
King Maha Vajiralongkorn presides over one of the wealthiest monarchies in Asia. Their wealth is rooted in property, particularly in Bangkok, and substantial stakes in Siam Cement and Siam Commercial Bank.
3. The Abu Dhabi Royal Family – $150 Billion
Led by Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Abu Dhabi royal family enjoys immense wealth due to the UAE’s vast oil reserves. Their fortune also includes international investments in various sectors, from tech to real estate.
2. The Qatari Royal Family – $335 Billion
The Al Thani family of Qatar controls enormous wealth generated from the country’s vast oil and gas reserves. Their investments stretch across the globe, including high-profile assets like Harrods in London and The Shard skyscraper.
1. The Saudi Royal Family – $1.4 Trillion
Topping the list is the House of Saud. Their unmatched fortune is tied to Saudi Arabia’s vast oil empire. The family’s wealth is spread across numerous sectors, including energy, real estate, and global investments, making them by far the wealthiest royal family in history.
While these royal families may differ in culture, geography, and influence, they share one thing in common: extraordinary wealth.
Their fortunes not only shape their countries but also impact global markets.
Whether their wealth comes from oil, real estate, or strategic investments, these royal dynasties continue to command both respect and riches on an unprecedented scale.