While royalty is often associated with immense wealth, even King Charles and Queen Camilla’s estimated fortune of £576 million pales in comparison to one of their European counterparts.
Despite Luxembourg’s small size and its royal family being less globally renowned, Grand Duke Henri has amassed an impressive net worth of approximately $4 billion (around £3 billion).
How Did Grand Duke Henri Acquire His Wealth?
Unlike the British monarchy, which receives substantial public funding, much of the Luxembourg royal family’s wealth comes from private assets rather than government grants.
For example, King Charles and Queen Camilla have received over £86 million through the Sovereign Grant in the past three years, whereas Luxembourg’s royals receive just £9 million annually. This sum primarily covers staffing costs and official duties, such as travel expenses.
The bulk of their wealth stems from privately owned land, properties, and valuable assets like jewelry. In 2006, controversy arose when the late Grand Duchess Joséphine-Charlotte’s jewels were set to be auctioned, sparking criticism from citizens who considered them part of Luxembourg’s national heritage. Following public outcry, Henri withdrew the items from sale.
Grand Duke Henri’s Properties
The Luxembourg monarch owns three official residences: the Grand Ducal Palace, Berg Castle, and Fischbach Castle.
- The Grand Ducal Palace serves as Henri’s official residence, though it is not his primary home. Located in the heart of Luxembourg City, its central position symbolizes the monarchy’s connection to the people. The palace is open to the public during the summer, with proceeds supporting the Grand Duke and Grand Duchess’s charitable initiatives.
- Berg Castle, situated in Colmar-Berg, is Henri’s primary residence. Since World War II, it has been the main home of Luxembourg’s reigning monarchs, including Henri’s father, the late Grand Duke Jean. The castle grounds open to the public on Luxembourg’s National Day.
- Fischbach Castle traditionally serves as the residence of the heir to the throne or former monarchs. Henri lived there before ascending to the throne in 2000, while his father, Grand Duke Jean, resided there from 2002 until his passing in 2019. Following his death, Hereditary Grand Duke Guillaume moved in.
With vast personal wealth and a portfolio of historic estates, Grand Duke Henri remains Europe’s richest royal, far surpassing many of his fellow monarchs in financial standing.
