The Thrifty Prince Who Became the Wealthiest Royal: Unveiling the Financial Secrets of the British Monarchy
Explore the intriguing financial landscape of the British royal family, revealing how Prince William's frugality helped him amass the largest fortune among royals.
The financial affairs of the Windsors are famously guarded, yet British journalists have uncovered intriguing insights into their wealth.
Many are curious about the wealth accumulated by members of the British royal family, but their finances remain largely confidential. This shroud of secrecy leaves much to speculation about the true scale of their treasures.
It is often unclear which assets belong personally to the royals and which are held by the state. For instance, Buckingham Palace is valued at over $1.2 billion but is not privately owned by the monarch.
Amid growing public interest in the fortunes controlled by the royals, MailOnline has compiled estimates of their net worth.
Prince William: The Frugal Heir with Over $1.3 Billion
Recently, Prince William has advocated for royal family members to reduce expenses to improve their public image. This commitment to thriftiness may have contributed to his status as the wealthiest royal.
According to The Times, in 2022, his net worth exceeded $1.3 billion. This impressive figure includes the Duchy of Cornwall, which he took control of upon becoming Prince of Wales. The private estate generates an annual income typically around $30 million, with the property itself valued at approximately $1.6 billion.
William has full discretion over the income from the duchy and is not required to disclose tax payments on it.
He also inherited about $12 million from his late mother, Princess Diana, and around $8.5 million following his great-grandmother's death in 2002.
King Charles III: Steward of Nearly $1.1 Billion
Reportedly, King Charles III's wealth is estimated at around $1.1 billion. He inherited the Duchy of Lancaster, valued at approximately $790 million, from his late mother. Like William, he receives an annual income from his estates, which totaled about $33 million in 2023-2024. This revenue supports both his official duties and personal expenses, as well as costs for other royal family members.
Charles is believed to have inherited much of Queen Elizabeth II's personal fortune, estimated by The Sunday Times at $450 million. Such royal inheritances are exempt from taxation.
He may also possess a vast collection of stamps, stock portfolios, artworks, and jewelry.
Princess Anne: A $60 Million Legacy
The Times estimates Princess Anne's wealth at roughly $60 million. She and her former husband, Mark Phillips, received Gatcombe Park as a gift from the late queen in 1976. Following their divorce, the 730-acre estate was divided.
Princess Anne currently resides in the main house, and the estate generates income through agriculture and hosts the annual British Horse Sport Festival.
Details of any inheritance from the queen remain undisclosed, but as a working royal, Anne receives income from the Sovereign Grant.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle: Building a $25 Million Portfolio
Estimates of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's combined wealth vary, with some suggesting up to $75 million. However, The Times reported a more conservative figure of approximately $25 million in 2022.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have secured several lucrative deals, and Harry inherited a significant sum. Nevertheless, their Hollywood lifestyle entails substantial expenses.
Harry does not have access to the same funds as his elder brother but, like William, inherited about $12 million from Princess Diana at age 25 and around $8.5 million from Queen Elizabeth's estate upon turning 40.
After stepping back from royal duties, Harry and Meghan diversified their income streams. Harry reportedly earns around $1.3 million annually as Chief Impact Officer at BetterUp.
In 2021, Harry signed a four-book deal worth $40 million, with his first book, "Spare," released in 2023.
In 2020, the couple also inked an $100 million deal with Netflix and a $25 million contract with Spotify, which ended in 2023.
In 2024, Meghan announced a new podcast agreement with Lemonada Media. While financial details remain undisclosed, branding expert Andrew Bloch estimated her earnings could be about 10% of the Spotify deal—around $2.4 million.
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