Saudi King Gifts a Golden Toilet
King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz, the monarch of Saudi Arabia, has an estimated net worth of about USD 21 billion. The oil rich country is estimated to earn some USD 1 billion each day. The king is also the most influential Muslim according to news reports. Such wealth undoubtedly calls for some extravagances. A few years ago the king’s daughter got married in one of the most opulent weddings known to mankind. The bride donned a dress made largely out of gold and costing a whooping USD 3,00,00,000. Not only this, the king gifted his daughter a number of items made of gold including a solid gold toilet complete with golden fittings.
Thai Royal Pet Gets an Expensive Cremation
According to the Forbes Magazine, the King of Thailand, Rama IX, King Bhumibol Adulyadej is one of the richest men on earth. The royal family’s net worth is estimated to be about USD 35 billion. The royal family’s wealth and income are too much to account for, it is said. What is possibly meant is that there is no formal record keeping of the income or expenditure, though rough estimates are that the palace spending adds up to about USD 500 million a year. An idea of the family’s extravagances can be gained from the life and death of the royal pet dog Foo Foo. The pet’s birthdays were stately affairs. It was awarded the honorary rank of Air Chief Marshal. The dog’s cremation was a full four-day affair costing more money than many can imagine.
Swaziland Royals’ Vacation With Hundred Servants
King Mswati III of Swaziland is one of the richest royals in the world, says the Forbes Magazine. The king’s riches and extravagances make news from time to time. He owns about 62 luxury cars including a Malbec worth $5 million. And if you thought your wife was high maintenance, consider this. The King has 15 wives and 30 children and continues to take a wife each year according to royal tradition. In 2015, the entire royal family traveled to India for a vacation accompanied by hundreds of servants. 200 rooms were booked at a super luxury hotel in Delhi for the entourage. The queens chartered private planes to go shopping.
Dubai Royal Buys World’s Most Expensive Penthouse
Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, popularly called Sheikh Mohammed, is not only the Emir of Dubai but also the Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates. Estimated to be worth some USD 18 billion, the Emir’s wealth comes largely from oil holdings and international investments. With over 100 cars in his garage, this royal loves thoroughbred horses and owns stud houses the world over. But what is all that wealth worth without a bit of extravagance? He bought the world’s most expensive penthouse in 2010 at Monaco. The property is worth about USD 308 million.
Brunei Prince Spends $50 million A Month
Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei is estimated to be worth about USD 20 billion. The Sultan’s family is believed to have its own wealth and the extent of the family member’s lavish lifestyles can be gauged by the fact that the Sultan’s brother Prince Jefri Bolhiah was allegedly spending about USD 50 million a month. When Prince Jefri exhausted his resources, he borrowed and spent USD 14.8 billion from a government fund prompting an arrest and a legal battle. He was reportedly the most opulent person on earth. Prince Jefri’s assets are currently frozen and he is battling the Sultan over USD 23 million.
Qatar Emir Buys Superyacht for $300 million
Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the former Emir of Qatar, is another one of the richest royals of the world. In 2013, he abdicated the throne making way for his son Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani to take over as the Emir. Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani’s net worth is estimated to be about USD 2 billion and has major holdings in billions in companies like Barclays, Harrods, and Sainsbury’s. In 2010, the former Emir ordered and took delivery of one of the largest yachts in the world – Katara. Katara is a luxury superyacht and has an estimated value of about USD 300 million.
British Royal Wedding Shuts Down Economy For A Day
Queen Elizabeth II, the 85-year-old British monarch, is now the longest reigning monarch in over thousand years. The queen’s grandson, Duke of Cambridge Prince William, married Catherine Middleton in 2011. The world watched on as the royal wedding was one of the most discussed occasion for days. From a USD 50,000 wedding dress to a USD 600,000 reception, by far the greatest expense was that of declaring a national holiday on the occasion costing the economy about USD 6.4 billion.