Upon hearing the word 'monarchy', one often conjures images of towering gold spires and expansive landholdings. Royalty, epitomised by the British Royal family, is synonymous with immense wealth. Yet, the question is how wealthy is the British Royal family exactly?
The true value of the Windsors may surprise many. Their wealth isn't measured just by the amount of cash they have sitting in the bank: they also own endless real properties, most of which have been in their possession for centuries. The magnitude of these holdings defies imagination.
Take, for example, the Duchy of Lancaster. This property has been under the British monarch's control for over 750 years. Its estimated worth? A staggering $750 million. The Duchy annually provides King Charles, who inherited it from his late mother, with an income of $30 million.
Following Queen Elizabeth II's passing in September 2022, speculation about King Charles III's inheritance was rife. Unsurprisingly, the newly ascended monarch received a substantial inheritance, approximately $500 million in cash, excluding numerous valuable estate objects. The Crown Estate, augmented by royal holdings in Scotland, is valued at an astonishing $20 billion. The monarch's primary residence, Buckingham Palace, is estimated to be worth nearly $5 billion, with Kensington Palace adding another $630 million to the tally.
However, King Charles also had to transfer certain Royal properties, such as the Duchy of Cornwall, to the next in line. Its assets, amounting to $1.3 billion, contribute significantly to the Windsors' net worth and are now under the custodianship of the King's eldest son, William. Reportedly, the Duchy provides the Prince of Wales with an annual income of $26 million.
The British Royal family, colloquially known as The Firm, boasts a total net worth exceeding $28 billion, arguably making them the world's wealthiest family. However, given that these properties are not sellable, the Windsors' staggering net worth is largely nominal.
Nevertheless, the personal fortunes of King Charles III and Prince William of Wales are remarkably substantial. The former is estimated to be worth $750 million, while the latter's wealth reportedly stands at $100 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth. Despite his royal roots, the estranged Prince Harry holds a more modest fortune estimated at around $60 million.
Source: Celebrity Net Worth.