Top 10 richest monarchs in the world
Here is a list of top 10 billionaire monarchs in the world
Royalty, a word that comes with grandiose and embellished synonyms although the word doesn't carry the actual weight in the current world anymore. But certain monarchs are still ruling the world on wealth with or without authority.
Talking about Royals, the first name that pops to your mind is that of Queen Elizabeth II, let us stop you right there. While she may be the longest reigning monarch in the world, she is definitely not the wealthiest. According to reports, the net worth of the Queen of England is $530 million -- which pales in comparison to the billions owned by other monarchs, who still hold administerial power in their respective countries, reports GQ India.
Here is a list of top 10 billionaire monarchs in the world -
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1. King Maha Vajiralongkorn, Thailand
Estimated net worth: $43 billion
The 67-year-old royal took over the throne after his father passed in 2016. His wealth is looked after by the Crown Property Bureau. His family owns over 16,210 acres of land in Thailand, with 40,000 rental contracts nationwide, including 17,000 in the capital. The King also holds a lot of shares in the Siam Cement Group and Siam Commercial Bank. And if all that wasn't enough, the Thai king also holds the possession of the Golden Jubilee Diamond, which is the largest cut and faceted diamond in the world. His extravagance lifestyle and abundance of wealth haven't been ignored by Thai citizens. That is why, youths of Thailand have been protesting for a few months now to bring reformation to the monarchy.
2. Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, Brunei
Estimated net worth: $28 billion
After Queen Elizabeth II, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah is the world's second longest-reigning monarch. He is also the Prime Minister of Brunei, which makes him the absolute monarch of the nation. His fortune reportedly comes from being involved in the oil and natural gas export business. In fact, the Sultan has been ranked among the wealthiest people in the world. He also lives in the largest residential palace in the world, which is the Istana Nurul Iman that boasts of over 1,778 rooms. Along with that, the Sultan is also reported to have a fleet of over 600 Rolls Royces.
3. King Salman Abdulaziz bin Saud, Saudi Arabia
Estimated net worth: $18 billion
King Salman Abdulaziz bin Saud may be third on this list. But if his familial wealth is to be considered, the Saud Family of Saudi Arabia is the richest family in the world with a wealth of over $1 trillion. The Saudi monarch does not hold an ornamental position like many others on this list, rather they are the ubiquitous source of authority and power for generations in the oil peninsula.
Besides the fortune he and his family earn from oil and investments, this family is very private about their wealth and possessions. But we all know they own some of the most expensive houses, cars, yachts, helicopters, private jets, paintings and more.
4. Emir Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi
Estimated net worth: $18 billion
He is the President of the United Arab Emirates and the Emir of Abu Dhabi. But his wealth comes from being chairman of the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, which manages UAE's excess oil and its estimated worth is half a trillion dollars. His half-brother also owns Manchester City FC and it is reported that the Sheikh has a lot of property in London. However, he is majorly known for his philanthropy.
5. Emir Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai
Estimated net worth: $14 billion
The Vice President of the United Arab Emirates and the Emir Sheikh of Dubai, Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum can be credited with the launch of major enterprises like the Emirates Airlines, The Jumeirah Group and DP World. He also overlooked major projects like turning Dubai into the futuristic village it is now as well as the construction of the Palm Islands and the Burj Khalifa. He is also a trained equestrian and a recognised Arabic poet.
6. Grand Duke Henri, Luxembourg
Estimated net worth: $4 billion
The Duke of Luxembourg lives in the Berg Castle with his wife, his five children and four grandchildren. His family also owns a holiday home at Cabasson, which is located in the South of France. Moreover, the family reportedly receives over $300,000 annually since 1948 to carry out their royal functions.
7. Prince Hans Adam II, Liechtenstein
Estimated net worth: $3.5 billion
The Prince of Liechtenstein is the owner of the Liechtenstein Global Trust, which is the largest family-owned private wealth firm in Europe. This also makes him Europe's wealthiest monarch. He is also quite the art connoisseur, who's extravagant collection is displayed in the Liechtenstein Museum. He also owes his fortune to investments made in wineries and an agricultural company.
8. Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Qatar
Estimated net worth: $2.1 billion
The Sheikh of Qatar's wealth comes from founding and managing the Qatar Investment Authority, which looks after the country's excess oil and gas reserves. He famously also gave out $137 million in support of Arab's first global news network, Al Jazeera. As of 2018, the (currently) 39-year-old king was the youngest sovereign in the world.
Country: Qatar
9. King Mohammed VI, Morocco
Estimated net worth: $2.1 billion
As the King of Morocco, Mohammed VI receives an annual salary of $488,604. But besides being King, he is also an astute businessman and banker. His family owns a majority stake in the Société Nationale d'Investissement (SNI), which has businesses operating across industries like banking, mining, real-estate, tourism, insurance, telecommunications and more. He also owns a lot of land in the country. And a Forbes report stated that his palace's daily operating budget is reported to be $960,000, which is paid by the Moroccan state.
Country: Morocco
10. Prince Albert II, Monaco
Estimated net worth: $1 billion
The son of the legendary Grace Kelly, Prince Albert II has his fortune derived from holdings in the Société des bains de mer de Monaco, the company that manages the riches of the Monte Carlo Casino and Opéra de Monte-Carlo. Besides that, he also owns his mother's home in Philadephia. In fact, his wedding to South African Olympic swimmer Charlene Wittstock that took place in 2011 was among the costliest weddings in the world.
