We know that the birth of the newest heir to the throne, known for now simply as Baby Cambridge, is bringing millions to the British economy, but how much could the new prince inherit? The amount of money that the royal family is worth may surprise you!
ABC News reports that the new prince stands to inherit a whopping $1 billion, based on an estimate as to how much his family is worth by Wealth-X, a firm that researches the net worth of very wealthy people and families.
Even though Baby Cambridge has yet to have his first and possible last name announced (the new prince may not have a surname!), he is already slated to inherit an enormous amount of royal wealth, depending of course on when his family members pass away at what time.
According to Wealth-X, Queen Elizabeth II is worth the most at $660 million, Prince Charles is worth about $370 million, Prince William estimated to be worth $20 million, while his brother Prince Harry is estimated to have $16 million. And that's not including the possible figures when accounting for the Crown Jewels and the Royal Collection! In additon, the queen's income is expected to rise by 15 percent in 2014, making her yearly earnings close to $58 million.
However, all of that wealth also comes with a "crown" of financial burden, according to Wealth-X's president David Friedman.
"Families with substantial wealth already face acute challenges in helping their children navigate the burden and expectations that can accompany that wealth," he told ABC News. "Place on top of that the double burden of royal protocol and expectations, Prince William and Kate will need a tight group of friends and community to provide an environment where the new Prince can flourish. Wealth amplifies what lies beneath an individual's character. It will be up to Prince William and Kate to ensure that the prince can withstand the 'weight of glory'."
Baby Cambridge is third in line to the throne, secure in his financial inheritance despite the likelihood of a new British law on equal primogeniture to soon be passed.
"The royal baby will inherit his family's wealth, just like Queen Elizabeth inherited her dad's estates and Prince William and Harry were given money from their mother upon her passing," Elena Mauer, deputy editor at TheBump.com, said to ABC News. "But boy is it nice to be this royal baby! With possibly inheriting $1 billion, this will be the most a royal heir has ever received."
