Today, a few monarchs control personal empires based on oil, investment portfolios, banking, and other sources, while many lead opulent lives financed by state estates or tax dollars. This list is about personal net worth, or actual wealth in their own names, not about titles or inherited palaces. The richest kings, queens, princes, and princesses in the world, ranging from oil-rich sultans to astute European investors, have fortunes comparable to those of Silicon Valley billionaires.
1. Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah – Brunei ($50 billion)
As per bvi, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah – Brunei, a monarch whose wealth is anything but symbolic, is at the top of the list. Brunei’s enormous oil and gas reserves, which he personally controls, are the main source of the Sultan’s wealth, which amounts to about $50 billion. With more than 7,000 luxury cars, a fleet of private planes, several palaces, and yachts that could compete with any billionaire’s, his lifestyle is legendary. He is the ultimate oil tycoon monarch, not just a figurehead.
Wealth source: Direct ownership of oil and gas assets
Notable for: Thousands of vehicles, private jets, lavish palaces
2. King Maha Vajiralongkorn (Rama X) – Thailand ($43 billion)
King Vajiralongkorn of Thailand, also referred to as Rama X, is thought to be the one of the richest reigning monarch in the world, with an estimated $43 billion in personal wealth. His wealth is mostly derived from his ownership of the Crown Property Bureau, which oversees an incredible real estate portfolio that includes over 17,000 properties in Bangkok alone, as well as shares in significant Thai companies. Rama X exemplifies the most extravagant form of royalty with his personal fleet of 38 jets, hundreds of luxury cars, and even golden royal barges. Sources of wealth include personal property and investments in well-known Thai companies. Notable for: Leading lifestyle, largest individual landowner in Bangkok
3. King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud – Saudi Arabia ($18 billion)
One of the wealthiest kings in the world is also the guardian of the most sacred places in Islam. Thanks to decades of oil earnings, private investments, and ownership of important companies, King Salman of Saudi Arabia has a personal fortune estimated at approximately $18 billion. King Salman owns a sizeable portion of the royal family’s wealth, guaranteeing his position on this exclusive list, even though it is divided among hundreds of princes. Source of wealth: private investments and oil revenues. Notable for: Persistent impact on world oil markets
4. Grand Duke Henri – Luxembourg ($4 billion)
Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg is the wealthiest royal in Europe who is not associated with the British monarchy. Henri’s wealth, which is approximately $4 billion, is derived from his ownership of historic properties such as the Grand Ducal Palace, personal investments, and prime real estate. Quietly strong and mostly unnoticed by the media, Henri serves as a reminder that small nations can generate enormous wealth. Source of wealth: personal investments and real estate. Notable for: Having personal wealth that is not subject to government regulation.
5. Prince Hans-Adam II – Liechtenstein ($3.5 billion)
In addition to being a ceremonial leader, Prince Hans-Adam II is the owner of LGT Group, one of the most prominent private banks in Europe. His estimated net worth is $3.5 billion, which also includes family estates, real estate, and priceless art collections. He continues to rule over one of Europe’s most stable financial centres and is more of a banker-businessman than a traditional monarch in many respects. Sources of wealth: real estate, art, and LGT Bank. Notable for: Creating a global financial powerhouse out of Liechtenstein.
6. King Mohammed VI – Morocco ($2.1 billion)
King Mohammed VI of Morocco is one of the wealthiest people in Africa and is publicly referred to as the “King of the Poor.” His personal wealth, which is approximately $2.1 billion, is derived from a combination of private assets and state-run companies, such as majority shares in Société Nationale d’Investissement (SNI), which holds significant holdings in the Moroccan banking, telecom, mining, and agricultural industries. His investments go well beyond the boundaries of the palace. Source of wealth: Investment holdings and a private business empire. Notable for: Juggling royal responsibilities with the mindset of a business tycoon.
7. Prince Albert II – Monaco ($1 billion)
Prince Albert II of Monaco may be the ruler of one of the smallest countries on earth, but his wealth is enormous. Albert’s wealth, which totals about $1 billion, comes from his inheritance from the Grimaldi family, investments in tourism and hospitality businesses, and prime Monte Carlo real estate. He is not the most ostentatious royal, but he embodies Monaco’s fusion of contemporary high-stakes luxury and traditional aristocracy.Source of wealth: investments in real estate, casinos, and travel. Notable for: Monaco’s ongoing reputation as an ultra-rich playground