The Life of The Royals: How Much Do the British Monarchs Actually Make?

When you think of British Royalty, you probably imagine crowns, castles, power, and, of course, money. After all, throughout history, royalty has been depicted as incredibly rich, with castles, horses, and all the jewels you could dream of. This is no exaggerated version of the truth. Royalty does indeed fit into that stereotype, and being born into a royal dynasty means a life of privilege. Come on, what little girl hasn’t dreamt of being a princess?

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry walking underneath an umbrella with the paparazzi's cameras lights hitting the rain lighting everything up around them / Prince Harry and William with their family / A princess on her wedding day / The Queen in the garden with her Corgie dog / Princess Diana and Princes Charles leaving the hospital after William's birth / Meghan Markle giggling with the Queen at an event
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The British monarchs have definitely kept up with the times. Obviously, members of the British royal family have nice trust funds waiting for them and, with their inherited fortune, money isn’t something they have to worry about. Despite all the perks that come with royal blood, monarchs have to work too. By performing their duties, the government pays them a hefty salary. With new innovative ideas connected to business, fashion, art, and other endeavors, members of the royal family have found new, creative ideas of how to build their wealth and influence.

Here is a closer look at the royal family and how much money the British monarchs actually make.

Prince William, the Duke of Cambridge

Prince William has a magnificent net worth of $40 million. He got his royal fortune on his 30th birthday. His sizeable inheritance from his late mother, Princess Diana, was $17 million. You know, what we all get for our birthdays. Prince William also gets a generous $4.6 million allowance from his father, Prince Charles.

Prince William sitting on Princes Diana’s lap when he was young / Prince William posing in a suit
Photo by Tim Graham Photo Library, Getty Images / Richard Stonehouse, Getty Images

In addition, he makes $450,000 per year from profits from his investments. It sounds nice to be born into royalty, but Prince William is just getting started. His net worth will only continue to grow once he is crowned king.

Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge

Even though she doesn’t have royal blood, she didn’t marry into a prestigious family with empty pockets. Her family has a successful party supply business called Party Pieces. It may sound simple, but the company is valued at a whopping $50 million! Princess Kate is worth about $10 million.

Kate Middleton smiling while looking past the camera in a park
Photo by Jack Hill – WPA Pool / Getty Images

That’s pretty good for a commoner. Her riches are increasing as well as her star power. She is already a princess, so diamonds and money are part of the package, but just like her husband, Prince William, her wealth will grow even more once she becomes queen.

Lady Kitty Spencer

However, being closer to the throne doesn’t necessarily guarantee the most money. Lady Kitty Spencer is a perfect example of that. If you put together Prince William’s and Princess Kate’s net worth and then double it, you have Lady Kitty’s $100 million.

Lady Kitty Spencer wearing a strapless black dress with silver and emerald jewelry
Photo by Theo Wargo / Getty Images

As you can tell, being born to the right family really worked in her favor. Her father is late Princess Diana’s brother. But Lady Kitty Spencer made her own name and wealth as a fashion model. Her work life includes being the ambassador for the luxury jewelry band Bvlgari.

Charles, the Prince of Wales

Remember how we mentioned that Prince William got a $4.6 million allowance? Well… that money came from his father, Prince Charles, who has a $100 million net worth. But don’t get things mixed up, the Prince of Wales has much more going on than his lovely fortune.

Prince Charles holding Prince Harry on Prince William’s shoulders in Kensington Palace when they were young boys / Prince Charles waving and smiling
Photo by Tim Graham Photo Library, Getty Images / WPA Pool-Ben Birchall, Getty Images

First of all, he is first in line for the throne of England and the sole heir to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. The prince also has real estate property that is estimated to be worth hundreds of millions of dollars. If that wasn’t enough, his assets reportedly total $1.3 billion! The prince is generous with his money and is active in charity circuits.

Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall

There is no one who could ever replace Princess Diana in the eyes and hearts of the British. But Camilla Parker Bowles managed to win over Prince Charles’s heart as his second wife. He was clearly head over heels because the Prince of Wales walked down the aisle without making her sign a prenuptial agreement.

Camilla looking at Prince Charles lovingly
Photo by Chris Jackson / Getty Images

This pretty much means that if she becomes his widow, she would have legal claims to a portion of his $1.3 billion! Meanwhile, the Duchess of Cornwall is doing just fine. She has her own hefty net worth of $5 million.

Pippa Middleton

Pippa Middleton’s sister might be the one who married a prince, but Pippa isn’t hiding in her sister’s shadow. Maybe she didn’t get prince charming, but Pippa did get her fairytale ending when she married James Matthews, a guy who happens to be worth an astonishing $3.4 billion.

Pippa Middleton posing in front of a blurred out bookshelf at a library
Photo by David Levenson / Getty Images

Oh yeah, Matthews is also the heir to the title and estate of Laird of Glen Affric. So, even though he isn’t technically royalty, he might as well be. But Pippa didn’t just marry into money, she had $1 million of her own.

Anne, the Princess Royal

What you may not know about Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II is that she has more than one child. She actually has a total of four children, but Princess Anne is the only girl. With her net worth at $100 million, Princess Royal frequently focuses on charity and works with more than 200 organizations.

Princess Anne dressed in all light blue in June 1973 / Queen Elizabeth II and Princess Anne in the back of an open carriage
Photo by Serge Lemoine, Getty Images / Mark Cuthbert, UK Press, Getty Images

Another fun fact about Princess Anne is that she is the first royal family member to compete in the Olympic Games. She paved the way for her daughter to follow in her mama’s footsteps as an Olympian. Not only is she born to royalty, but she also has some raw talent in her royal blood.

Princess Eugenie of York

If there is one thing grandparents are known for, it’s spoiling their grandchildren. Princess Eugenie is perhaps the most famous example of how true that stereotype is. Thanks to the trust funds left to her by her grandmother, the Queen, and the ones her parents established for her, Princess Eugenie is worth around $5 million.

Princess Eugenie of York waving over her shoulder while walking up steps on her wedding day
Photo by Andrew Matthew – WPA Pool / Getty Images

Even though she could probably live comfortably with that money, that didn’t stop the princess from building her own professional career and increase her wealth as an associate director at the art gallery Hauser & Wirth. Very impressive.

Zara Tindall

So, you might be thinking, who exactly is Zara Tindall? Well… you should already know. Other than being one of the Queen’s grandchildren, just like Princess Eugenie, Tindall is an Olympic silver medalist.

Zara Tindall with Princess Anne in the background at an event
Photo by Max Mumby / Indigo / Getty Images

An Olympic medal got her a lot of opportunities, including lucrative brand endorsements. Not only has Zara lent her name to jewelry and perfume companies, but also online gaming brands! However, one of the Olympian’s biggest endorsement deals was the one with Musto Outdoor Clothing, where she made more than $1.5 million! No wonder she is worth a whopping $20 million.

Princess Beatrice of York

Just like her sister Princess Eugenie, Princess Beatrice also got her share of benefits from being born into royalty. But Princess Beatrice didn’t let her incredible $5 million net worth get in the way of her ambitions. Sure, most of the money came from trust funds that were set up by her family, but this girl works!

Princess Beatrice of York posing in a modernized vintage room
Photo by David M Benett / Mazi and Venyx World / Getty Images

Princess Beatrice is extremely passionate about the career she created for herself in the business world. She works as a research associate, production analyst, business consultant, and more. It’s nice to see that all her millions haven’t affected her motivation.

Sarah, the Duchess of York

Sarah Ferguson is perhaps one of the best-known British royals; so, it may be a little surprising that she is only worth $1 million (I’m using the word “only” very loosely here). But sometimes, that’s what happens after a divorce, especially if you are splitting up with a prince – Prince Andrew, to be exact.

Princess Andrew and Sarah with their newborn daughter Princess Eugenie leaving the hospital
Photo by Tim Graham Photo Library / Getty Images

But before you feel bad for her, remember that her $1 million net worth is a little deceptive. Ferguson owns a chalet in Verbier, Switzerland, which is valued at an amazing $17 million. Plus, she has stayed in the spotlight as a writer, TV personality, and charity patron.

Lady Amelia and Eliza Spencer

The Spencer name should automatically alert you to how astronomically rich the twin sisters, Lady Amelia Spencer and Lady Eliza Spencer, are. The twins are Lady Kitty Spencer’s little sisters and also Princess Diana’s nieces.

Lady Eliza Spencer and Amerlia Spencer with their sibling and parents when they were younger / Lady Amelia, Lady Eliza, and Lady Kitty sitting at a royal wedding
Photo by Tim Graham Photo Library, Getty Images / Dave Thompson – WPA Pool, Getty Images

As you probably know, their father decided to raise them in South Africa to give them a more “humble” upbringing. Still, Lady Amelia and Lady Aliza are known jet-setters and love to travel the globe. Who could blame them, though? After all, the twins are worth a reported $149 million thanks to their families’ astonishing wealth.

Prince Edward, the Earl of Wessex

If you’re not familiar with Prince Edward, you probably should be. He is Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s fourth and youngest child. Despite being the baby, he has an incredible $45 million net worth. The Queen clearly made sure that every one of her children is taken care of.

Prince Edward as a young child holding a book / Prince Edward standing looking over a railing while wearing a top hat
Photo by Terry Disney, Daily Express, Hulton Archive, Getty Images / Anwar Hussein, WireImage, Getty Images

But when it comes to Prince Edward, most of his money comes from the compensation that he makes from performing his royal duties. In addition to his public appearances, Prince Edward has served in the military and worked as a production assistant.

Charles Spencer, the 9th Earl Spencer

Being the brother of late Princess Diana isn’t the only thing Charles Spencer is known for. He is the guy behind the Spencer family fortune, which is estimated at about $149 million. So, he is the reason he is able to give his children the best lives ever – seriously.

Charles Spener posing at a charity event
Photo by Max Mumby / Indigo / Getty Images

In the wake of his father’s passing, Charles took on his role as a royal and all the family titles that came along with it. But prior to that, he worked as an on-air correspondent for NBC News. If you were wondering what he is up to now, he spends most of his time in the Althorp estate.

Louis Spencer, the Viscount Althorp

Even though the ruler is Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, it still doesn’t hurt to be a male heir in her kingdom. Louis Spencer is Charles Spencer’s son, making him the brother of Lady Kitty, Lady Amelia, and Lady Eliza. Louis is the sole heir to the Althorp estate.

Louis Spencer as a young boy / Louis Spencer at an event with Victoria Aitken
Photo by Tim Graham Photo Library, Getty Images / David M Benett, Dave Benett, Micheael Kors, Getty Images

It’s a good thing he is keeping the Althorp estate under the family name, especially considering it earned him a whopping net worth of $196 million. Wow! I wish I were an heir to something… It doesn’t even have to be the throne!

Sophie, the Countess of Wessex

As you can probably imagine, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II requires a fantastic public relations team to assist her with her numerous public appearances. Lucky for her, she is related to PR powerhouse, Sophie Helen. Helen is married to the Queen’s youngest son, Prince Edward.

Sophie smiling during a public appearance
Photo by Stuart C Wilson / WPA Pool / Getty Images

Even though the royal family dynamics changed since Sophie Helen came into the picture as the Countess of Wessex, she became reliably helpful to the Queen, especially when it comes to PR needs. Helen actually used to own a PR company and puts her expertise to good use. It seems like she is lending a hand from the goodness of her heart. With a $45 million net worth, she could kick back and retire if she wanted to.

Prince Andrew, the Duke of York

Chances are that you know Prince Andrew from his very public divorce from Sarah Ferguson, but there is so much more to him. Since he is one of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s children, he had enough money to move on and recover from his scandalous divorce.

Prince Andrew in 1981 standing by a Royal Air Force helicopter / Prince Andrew in uniform at an event in 2015
Photo by Keystone, Getty Images / Samir Hussein, WireImage, Getty Images

Prince Andrew has a nice fortune of $82 million. But believe it or not, it’s not all from being the offspring of the Queen. He actually did pretty well in his business endeavors as an investor. In fact, his investment resume includes lots of brands, properties, and even perfumes and football teams.

Diana, the Princess of Wales

Although she was gone far too soon, Diana Spencer certainly made her mark on the world. In her short life, she amassed an incredible net worth of $55 million. But how is that possible for someone who died so young? Well, for starters, she got a payout of over $22 million after she divorced Prince Charles.

Princess Diana with Princess William and Princess Harry at the piano / Princess Diana leaning on the palms of her hands posing on the front steps of her home 1986
Photo by Tim Graham Photo Library / Getty Images (left and right)

Just that would be enough to have a luxurious lifestyle, but she continued receiving a recurring allowance up until her untimely death. So, I’m sure you’re wondering where the heck all that money went? The answer is simple: her beloved sons, Prince William and Prince Harry. Her wealth and legacy live on through her children.

Lady Amelia Windsor

Lady Amelia Windsor is one of the lucky ones. Not only was she born into fortune and privilege, but she was born into royalty with dashing good looks. With all of that on her side, Lady Amelia is creating a modeling empire for herself.

Lady Amelia Windsor at an art exhibition party wearing all white with a light blue purse
Photo by Mike Marsland / WireImage / Getty Images

Even though she is still in her 20s, Lady Amelia is already raking in cash and reportedly earns $1 million a year, thanks to sponsorship deals, magazine spreads, and, of course, her numerous modeling gigs. This young royal has already walked the catwalk for huge luxury brands such as Dolce & Gabbana.

Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex

Prince Harry isn’t just Prince William’s little brother, but people tend to pity him for it. The reason is that he has an extremely rare chance of ever ascending to the throne as his big brother grows his family. But if you thought Prince Harry got dealt the worst cards in life, you’d be wrong.

Princess Diana and Prince Harryon vacation / Meghan Markle and Prince Harry under an umbrella together at an event
Photo by Georges De Keerle, Getty Images / Max Mumby, Indigo, Getty Images

First of all, Princess Diana also left Prince Harry a lovely inheritance of $17 million on his 30th birthday. His father, Prince Charles, also put aside $4.6 million dollars for his youngest son. With that kind of money, Prince William isn’t doing too shabbily. His investments earn him a nice $450,000 a year.

Prince Michael of Kent

If you aren’t familiar with Prince Michael of Kent, he is Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s first cousin, making him the grandson of King George V and Queen Mary, so he’s a pretty big deal thanks to his royal blood. Even though he dropped down from the 7th in line for the throne to the 47th spot, he is still involved with royal matters. He has even represented the Queen at several official functions and events around the Commonwealth.

Prince Michael of Kent with his wife at an event
Photo by Dave M Benett / Getty Images

But this royal also runs his own business and has an impressive $40 million net worth. Given the fact he used to be £2.3 million pounds in debt, his millions are even more impressive.

Prince Richard, the Duke of Gloucester

Another one of King George V and Queen Mary’s grandchildren is Prince Richard; he is actually the youngest of the grandkids. If being the baby wasn’t enough for Prince Richard to feel special, he has the honor of being the direct male descendant of Queen Victoria and King Edward II.

Prince Richard in uniform at an ourdoor event in 2015
Photo by Max Mumby / Indigo / Getty Images

Pretty impressive lineage, if you ask me. That ancestry comes with major prestige and wealth. If you factor in his family heirlooms, Gloucester estate, and the rare books he and his wife collected, Prince Richard is worth approximately $25 million. But not all the money went to his head. In fact, he and his wife spoke out about how “poor” they feel compared to their richer relatives. I, for one, don’t feel sorry for them.

Lady Louise Windsor

Surprisingly, there are a lot of “obscure” royals who have stayed out of the spotlight. One of these royal family members is Lady Louise Windsor; she is currently 17 years old, but don’t underestimate her! Lady Louise is actually 12th in line for the throne… well, she was… until Prince Harry and Meghan Markle had their baby.

Lady Louise Windsor at a horse show wearing a riding outfit with a hair net
Photo by Max Mumby / Indigo / Getty Images

But don’t worry about her, Lady Louise will be just fine. In addition to having rich parents, she happens to be one of the Queen’s favorites. She is on the road to becoming one of the richest royals.

Birgitte, the Duchess of Gloucester

Not a native Brit, Birgitte, the Duchess of Gloucester, hails from Denmark. However, she does a great job fitting into her esteemed role in British society. She married into royalty when she tied the knot with Prince Richard, the Duke of Gloucester. Between her estate and public appearances as a royal, she is doing quite well for herself in her new homeland.

Birgitte, the Duchess of Gloucester, and Prince Richard posing together on their 17th wedding anniversary
Photo by Tim Graham Photo Library / Getty Images

But if you think her identity and fortune are merely tied to her husband, that is not the case. Birgitte brings more to the table than a delicious Danish meal, and she is worth at least $13 million on her own. That amount is purely based on the price of her jewels alone.

Princess Alexandra, the Honourable Lady Ogilvy

Princess Alexandra has the prestigious title of the Honorable Lady Ogilvy, and there is a good reason: She is King George V and Queen Mary’s granddaughter. When she was a newborn, she was 6th in line for the throne. Of course, a lot has changed since then, and she is now the 52nd in line.

Princess Alexandra riding in an open carriage through a crowd in the sun
Photo by Indigo / Getty Images

But Princess Alexandria is living her best life. Her estimated net worth is somewhere between 18 and 20 million pounds. The money comes from her work as a royal, as well as her very successful businessman late husband, Sir Agnus Ogilvy.

Katharine, the Duchess of Kent

Katherine became part of the British royal family when she married Prince Edward, the Duke of Kent (and Queen Elizabeth II’s cousin). Unlike some other people who married into the family, Katherine won them all over right away, despite her shyness. For years she was the one presenting trophies at Wimbledon.

Katharine and Prince Edward dressed up at an event in 1991
Photo by Georges De Keerle / Getty Images

She will always be remembered for her compassion when she comforted tennis superstar Jana Novotna after she lost her match in 1993. Despite everything, Katherine and her husband are both worth $10 million, making them on the “poorer” end of the royal family wealth spectrum.

Lady Helen Taylor

Speaking of the Duke and Duchess of Kent, the royal couple has one daughter: Lady Helen Taylor. She is known for her bold sense of style. Huffington Post even published an article praising Lady Helen for how cool and fashionable she is. She also seems to be quite artsy and, like her art dealer husband Timothy Taylor, she also works in the art world.

Lady Helen Taylor arriving at a party in 2007
Photo by C Uncle / FIlmMagic / Getty Images

Even though she plays her part in the fashion and art industries, where more money gives you special access, Lady Helen Taylor might not be as rich as she comes off since her father isn’t the richest of all the royals. Although her exact net worth is unclear, it’s safe to assume that she has more money than I ever will. It has been reported that she helped the family’s net worth reach $10 million with her fashion and art endeavors.

Lady Rose Gilman

Before marrying her husband, George Gilman, in 2008, Lady Rose Gilman was known as “Lady Rose Windsor.” Her parents are the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester. Other than the name change, she made a name for herself by working in the art departments of several movie productions, and many of them are quite famous.

Princess Diana holding Lady Rose Windsor’s hand walking up a hill in 1987 / Lady Rose Gilman on her wedding day
Photo by Terry Fincher, Princess Diana Archive, Getty Images / POOL, Tim Graham Picture Library, Getty Images

In fact, if you are a fan of the Harry Potter movie franchise, be on the lookout for her. Her name (maiden name) is in the credits of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. Lady Rose isn’t the richest of the royals and isn’t supposed to inherit much from her family. However, her personal and professional accomplishments are something she could always be proud of.

Lord Frederick Windsor

Lord Frederick Windsor is Prince Michael of Kent’s only son. As a result, he is currently 48th in line for the throne. Lord Fredrick didn’t rely on inheriting much from his family, so he focused on his professional life. He used to work in the financial sector before becoming a music journalist.

Lord Frederick Windsor and Lady Sophie Windsor in front of a white picket fence at a cricket match in 2014
Photo by David M Benett / Dockerst / Getty Images

He is also extremely involved in his charity called Soldier On, which helps socially disadvantaged and struggling veterans. He also has a flourishing family life; in 2009, he married actress Sophie Winkleman, and the happy couple has two daughters together.

Lady Gabriella Windsor

Lord Fredrick’s sister is the beautiful Lady Gabriella Windsor, making her 51st in like for the throne. When it comes to inheritance, she is in the same boat as her brother. Since her parents aren’t the richest royals, she knew she had to work hard and make her own money.

Lady Gabriellla Windsor in a Bohemian style dress at a garden event
Photo by David M Benett / Dave Benett / Missoma / Getty Images

Just like her brother, she also seems to be thriving professionally. Lady Gabriella has a career in journalism, and her personal life is also wonderful. Back in 2018, she announced her engagement to Thomas Kingston and the pair tied the knot in 2019. Lady Gabriella appears to be doing great, despite not having millions in the bank like some of her royal relatives.

King Harald of Norway

I know it might seem to include a monarch from another country on here, but King Harold of Norway is actually related to the British family. Rich tend to marry the rich, and it’s no different when it comes to the royals. This is an old trend that started way back when.

King Harald of Norway standing behind a podium and in front of flags
Photo by Marcelo Hernandez / Getty Images

As more evidence that King Harald is, in fact, a legitimate part of the British royal family and not some very distant relative, he is number 74 in like for the throne, despite already having a throne of his own. As the ruler of Norway, the King has a very comfortable income. His estimated net worth is a whopping $17.3 million.

James, the Viscount Severn

James is absolutely adorable, and at age 13, he is the youngest grandchild of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Despite his young age, he is certainly groomed for greatness. His parents are Prince Edward of Wessex and his wife, Sophie.

James feeding a giraffe while sticking his tongue out at Sophie, Countess of Wessex
Photo by Max Mumby / Indigo / Getty Images

James is too young for us to predict his future or speculate about his net worth, but with such prominent parents, I think he’ll do just fine. He is likely to inherit a lot of money and power. That, combined with his adorable smile, makes him a prince from a fairy tale. However, as of right now, he is twelfth in line for the succession to the British Throne.

Princess Michael of Kent

Marie Christine is better known as “Princess Michael of Kent.” As her title indicated, she is married to Prince Michael of Kent. Despite hailing from the Czech Republic, she has become well-known in Great Britain. She was dubbed “Princess Pushy” for being such a controversial wife. The nickname suggests she is determined to advocate for what she wants.

Princess Michael of Kent smiling at an event in a large hat and shawl jacket
Photo by Max Mumby / Indigo / Getty Images

In fact, she could be strategic at times when it comes to using her husband’s power and influence as leverage due to her status as a member of the royal family. She somehow convinced Queen Elizabeth II to pay their rent, even though Prince Michael of Kent is worth $8 million!

Earl Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor, the Child of Sussex

Unless you were living under a rock in 2018, there is no way you didn’t hear about Meghan Markle’s royal wedding to Prince Harry. Their very public wedding was beautiful, but the union received very split opinions. No matter what you think about the marriage, there is one thing we can all agree on, any child born into that family is destined for wealth.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle with their baby Archie Mountbatten-Windsor making a cute face towards the camera
Photo by Toby Melvills – Pool / Getty Images

When your dad is worth over $17 million, and your mom is worth over $5 million, there is nothing little Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor has to worry about. Of course, the baby doesn’t have a net worth yet, but it’s safe to assume there is a trust fund waiting for him somewhere.

Princess Margaret, the Countess of Snowdon

Princess Margaret was the little sister of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and one of the most beloved members of the royal family. The princess was a trendsetter, too; without her trailblazing ways, we regular folk might have never gotten the chance to watch a royal wedding on our TV screens.

Princess Margaret posing in a white dress with pearls in 1949 / A portrait of Princess Margaret at an event in 1990
Photo by Bettmann, Getty Images / Tim Graham Photo Library, Getty Images

As you probably know, she made history when she walked down the aisle with Anthony Armstrong-Jones, as it was the first televised royal wedding. Sadly, Princess Margaret struggled with health problems in the last decades of her life. But when she passed away in 2002, she only left 7.6 million pounds ($10,169,560 US Dollars) to her children. Most of the 20-million-pound ($26,762,000 US Dollars) fortune went to various different charities.

Queen Elizabeth II

Okay, the moment of truth! I know you have been wondering how much money Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II actually has to her name. Well, as the Queen of the United Kingdom, the fact that she is loaded doesn’t come as a surprise. Her net worth is an astonishing $550 million. This is partly due to the properties she owns – you know, like her castles.

Queen Elizabeth II greeting guests at an evening reception in 2019 / Queen Elizabeth II wither one of her Corgis posing against a stone wall with flowers around them in the garden 1952
Photo by Victoria Jones – WPA Pool, Getty Images / Bettmann, Getty Images

Just her castle in Scotland is valued at $140 million. But contrary to popular belief, the Queen does work for a living, and she gets an annual salary of $12.9 million from the British government for performing her duties as the reigning monarch.

Prince Louis of Cambridge

Prince Louis is a royal youngster. But despite being born in April 2018, he is already worth $70 million. But how is that even possible? His net worth is due to the money he brought into the economy of the United Kingdom. Evidently, a royal baby can be used as part of an economy’s stimulus package – I am serious!

Prince William holding Prince Louis next to Catherine, both of them paying attention to Prince Louis
Photo by Max Mumby / Indigo / Getty Images

That’s because everyone wants memorabilia celebrating the birth of a royal baby. Especially if the baby is the child of Prince William and Kate Middleton. As you can imagine, all the merch and souvenirs commemorating the birth of Prince Louis sold faster than hotcakes. That is one valuable baby!

Prince George of Cambridge

Despite his value to Great Britain’s economy, Prince Louis isn’t Prince William and Kate Middleton’s first-born child. Being the eldest son in a royal lineage comes with major perks! You know, like being destined to become king one day. But there is much more than that. Apparently, it comes with an unbelievable net worth of $3.6 billion!

Prince George waving with both hands towards the direction of the camera
Photo by Pool / Sam Hussein / WireImage / Getty Images

The wealth doesn’t just come from his future inheritance. Like his little brother, the money comes from the monetary value he brings to the British economy. Basically, whatever these brothers touch turns to gold. In addition, the prince has a promising shot at some major endorsement deals.

Princess Charlotte of Cambridge

Princess Charlotte is the middle child, but being front and center in a royal family isn’t a bad thing. It literally means her net worth could put her brother to shame with a whopping $5 billion to her name. That’s right. Her net worth is attributed to what is knows as the “Charlotte effect.” She is certainly something special.

Princess Charlotte wearing white at a royal wedding on the steps of Windsor Castle
Photo by Jane Barlow – WPA Pool / Getty Images

Even the fashion world has its eyes on her. If little Charlotte is wearing it, it’s fashionable. It’s no surprise that everyone in England wants to replicate her incredible sense of style. To be fair, I don’t think she dresses. Either way, the fashionista in the making has a big fortune in her future.

Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex

Even though she is new to the royal family, Meghan Markle is no stranger to the spotlight and money. The Duchess of Sussex had already made a name for herself as a talented actress thanks to her role on the legal drama show Suits. By the time she ended her 7-year-run on the show, the girl was making $50,000 an episode. As a result, she is now estimated to be worth $5 million!

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry smiling at each other under an umbrella in the rain with a light behind them making the rain light up around them
Photo by Samir Hussein / WireImage / Getty Images

After marrying a prince, her wealth only increased. Very recently, in September of 2020, Meghan and Harry reportedly signed a multi-year production deal with Netflix. They plan to produce exclusive content. The deal is valued at an estimated $100 million.

Why Queen Elizabeth II Loves Bright Colors

Her Majesty is known for wearing bright colors. But her colorful coats and dresses don’t have much to do with her personal style; it’s so that people can always spot her in a crowd. In the documentary The Queen at 90, Sophie, Countess of Wessex, explained why:

Queen Elizabeth II in a hot pink dress suit and hat / Queen Elizabeth II wearing a bright orange suit and hat / Queen Elizabeth II wearing a bright yellow dress suit and hat / Queen Elizabeth II wearing a bright green dress suit and hat laughing with Meghan Markle
Photo by Jeff Spicer, Getty Images / Chris Jackson, Getty Images / Max Mumby, Indigo, Getty Images / Jeff J Mitchell, Getty Images

“She needs to stand out for people to be able to say ‘I saw the Queen!’ Don’t forget that when she turns up somewhere, the crowds are two, three, four, 10, 15-deep, and someone wants to be able to say saw a bit of the Queen’s hat as she passed.”

The Queen Gets Two Birthdays

Her Majesty gets to celebrate two birthdays every year. Her actual date of birth is April 21st, 1926, and she has a private celebration with her closest family and friends on that date. But to share the milestone with the public, she celebrates on the second Saturday of June as well.

Queen Elizabeth II sitting next to a BBC microphone in a garden / Queen Elizabeth II opening birthday cards she received on her 80th birthday.
Queen Elizabeth II broadcasting on her 21st birthday. Photo by Topical Press Agency, Hulton Archive, Getty Images / Anwar Hussein Collection, ROTA, WireImage, Getty Images

It must be nice to be the queen. We commoners only get one birthday. But Her Majesty didn’t just decide she wanted two birthdays; it’s actually an old royal tradition. According to BBC, this custom started back in 1748 with King George II.

No Autographs

According to Time, there is a long-standing rule which basically prevents foreigners from using any royal family member’s signature. So, they aren’t allowed to sign autographs. But there was one instance when Meghan Markle found a clever way around that rule.

Meghan Markle signing an autograph with Prince Harry behind her while they walk past a crowd of people
Photo by Chris Jackson / Chris Jackson Collection / Getty Images

She was outside of Cardiff Castle in Wales when she accepted a kiss from a 10-year-old and signed her note. Markle hadn’t officially tied the knot with Prince Harry at the time, but instead of signing her name, she wrote “Hi Kaitlin” – and she technically got away with it. As a former Hollywood actress, not signing autographs is quite the change.

The Queen Travels with a Supply of Blood

This is definitely one of the strangest but true facts about Queen Elizabeth II. She travels with a personal supply of blood. You know, like the rest of us. According to Gordon Rayner, the chief reporter for The Telegraph, Her Majesty won’t leave the country without a royal Navy doctor with her.

Prince Philip talking to a tourguide and Queen Elizabeth II looking around while holding binoculars on a safari during their visit to Zambia in 1979
Photo by Serge Lemoine / Getty Images

The monarch and her health advisors research where she is traveling to, and if the destination has a “questionable” blood supply, she brings her own. I don’t know what the chances are that she would need a blood supply, but it’s better to be safe than sorry, I guess.

A Royal Meal

If you’re ever in a situation where you’re going to have dinner with the Queen, here is one important thing for you to remember. As soon as the Queen finishes her meal, everyone at the table must put down their silverware and stop eating. This applies to other members of the royal family.

Queen Elizabeth II adjusting her crown while reading the menu before dinner was served at a banquet table
Photo by Tim Graham Photo Library / Getty Images

Speaking of meals with the queen, don’t expect any garlic. Former royal chef, Darren McGrady, admitted that Queen Elizabeth II knows exactly what she likes to eat: “The queen would never have garlic on the menu. She hates the smell of it, she hated the taste of it.” But she reportedly eats corn flakes every morning and loves her dark chocolate.

Prince Charles Doesn’t Squeeze His Own Toothpaste

It’s a pretty big stereotype when it comes to royalty: The prince and princess live a fancy life and don’t ever need to lift a finger. According to the documentary Serving the Royals: Inside the Firm, the Prince of Wales lives lavishly:

Princess Diana looking upset sitting next to Prince Charles who is looking downwards playing with his fingers
Photo by Jayne Fincher / Princess Diana Archive / Getty Images

“His pajamas are pressed every morning, his shoelaces are pressed flat with an iron, the bath plug has to be in a certain position, and the water temperature has to be just tepid,” Princess Diana’s former butler, Paul Burrell, admitted. He also “has his valets squeeze one inch of toothpaste onto his toothbrush every morning.”

Going on the Scale Before and After Christmas Dinner

According to Ingrid Steward, royal expert and editor of Majesty Magazine, members of the monarchy and their guests apparently have to step on ancient scales if they want to participate in any Christmas traditions at the Sandringham estate in Norfolk.

Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip looking up at a Christmas tree with decorations in 1969
Photo by Fox Photos / Getty Images

Steward told Grazia that this tradition dates way back to the early 1900s when King Edward VII was worried that people weren’t eating enough. That’s a relief; I thought the reasoning would be the opposite. I assumed it was to make sure they weren’t eating too much and affecting their beautiful figures. Luckily, that’s not the case.

Male Royals in the Delivery Room

Queen Elizabeth II welcomed Prince Charles into the world in 1948. At the time, her husband Prince Philip was out playing squash. Reportedly, after seeing his baby boy for the first time, Prince Philip said, “He looks like a plum pudding!” Since then, the royal gentleman started being present while their wives give birth. The first was Prince Charles who was there when William was born.

Princess Diana and Prince Charles holding Prince William outside of the hospital after his birth
Princess Diana, Prince Charles, and Prince William leaving the hospital after his birth. Photo by Tim Graham Photo Library / Getty Images

“I am so thankful I was beside Diana’s bedside the whole time because, by the end of the day, I really felt as though I’d shared deeply in the process of birth,” Prince Charles expressed. And before Kate Middleton had her bundle of joy, Prince George, in 2013, Prince William said he “fully intends” to be there, and he was.