What is the Net Worth of Queen Camilla?
Queen Camilla, formerly known as Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, is the wife of King Charles III and serves as Queen Consort of the United Kingdom and 14 other Commonwealth realms. As the Queen Consort, Camilla undertakes royal duties to support the monarch, but does not hold constitutional powers herself.
Queen Camilla’s personal net worth has been a topic of much speculation over the years. As a member of the royal family, Camilla receives an income from the Sovereign Grant and the Duchy of Cornwall. She also has personal assets, investments, jewelry, and real estate. Determining the Queen Consort’s exact net worth is challenging, but estimates put it in the tens of millions of pounds.
This article will analyze what contributes to Queen Camilla’s net worth. It will look at the various sources of her income and assets, including the Sovereign Grant, the Duchy of Cornwall, investments, real estate, and personal belongings. Additionally, it will compare her net worth to other senior royals and explore changes to her wealth since becoming Queen Consort.
Queen Camilla’s Sources of Income
Queen Camilla receives income from both public and private sources. As a senior working royal, some of her income comes from the Sovereign Grant and the Duchy of Cornwall. She also has private assets, investments, and real estate.
The Sovereign Grant
The Sovereign Grant is the public funding provided by the British government to support Queen Elizabeth II in her official duties. For the 2022-2023 fiscal year, the Sovereign Grant is £86.3 million. Now that Prince Charles is King, this public funding passes to him and Camilla.
The Sovereign Grant goes towards the monarch’s official expenditures like travel, palace upkeep, utilities, staffing costs. The Queen Consort is eligible for a portion of this grant to cover her public duties and office costs. It is likely comparable to the amount the Queen Mother received when she was the Queen Consort. In 2002, the Queen Mother had £643,000 from the Sovereign Grant to run her household. Adjusted for inflation, that is approximately £1.06 million today.
The Duchy of Cornwall
As the wife of the Duke of Cornwall, Queen Camilla is entitled to a portion of the revenues from the Duchy of Cornwall. This is a private estate established in 1337 to provide income for the heir to the throne. It consists of around 130,000 acres of land in 23 counties in England and Wales. The Duchy also includes an investment portfolio.
The annual revenue from the Duchy of Cornwall is estimated to be £21.7 million. This revenue goes to supporting the public, private and charitable activities of the Duke of Cornwall. Now that Prince Charles is King, his eldest son Prince William has assumed the title of Duke of Cornwall. However, King Charles III will still benefit from the Duchy’s revenues.
The Duchy’s accounts are not publicly disclosed, so it is unclear exactly how much Camilla receives. But it is likely to be a generous portion to cover her private expenses. Even before becoming Queen Consort, Camilla received extensive financial support from the Duchy for her private and official activities.
Investments
In addition to the Sovereign Grant and Duchy of Cornwall, Queen Camilla has income from her own private investments. She owns shares in companies like Tesco and has investments managed by Coutts Bank. The exact value and full extent of the Queen Consort’s investments are not fully known. But even as Duchess of Cornwall she was estimated to have millions invested to provide her independent income.
Real Estate
Queen Camilla has ownership of expensive real estate properties that contribute to her wealth:
- Ray Mill House: This sprawling 17th century country house in Wiltshire was purchased by Prince Charles for £850,000 in 1995 after their divorce from Princess Diana. It became Camilla’s private residence. Today it is estimated to be worth at least £5 million.
- Llwynywermod: In 2007, this Welsh cottage on 192 acres of land was bought by Prince Charles and Duchess Camilla for £1.2 million. It is now worth an estimated £2.5 million.
- Hillsborough Castle: As part of the Crown Estate, Hillsborough Castle in Northern Ireland is an official royal residence used by Queen Camilla and King Charles III during visits.
- Clarence House: The Queen Consort’s current official London residence, valued around £50 million.
The properties provide privacy, security, and exclusivity for Queen Camilla. They also represent millions in real estate assets contributing to her wealth. Even after becoming Queen Consort, Camilla maintains private ownership of assets like Ray Mill House purchased before her marriage to King Charles.
Queen Camilla’s Jewelry Collection
As Duchess of Cornwall and now Queen Consort, Camilla has acquired a lavish jewelry collection worth millions that adds to her net worth. Some of the most valuable pieces include:
- Greville Tiara: This Boucheron honeycomb tiara of diamonds and platinum has a value of $3.5 million. It was loaned to Camilla by Queen Elizabeth II and traditionally worn by Queen Consorts.
- Delhi Durbar Emerald Necklace: King Charles III gifted Camilla this Art Deco necklace for her 60th birthday, valued around $14 million. The necklace features emeralds and diamonds from India.
- Diamond and Platinum Bracelet: This striking bracelet was another 60th birthday gift from Prince Charles, worth approximately $400,000.
- Golden Scarab Brooch: Adorned with rubies and diamonds, this brooch gifted to Camilla on her wedding day is worth around $100,000
- Pearl Choker: A triple-strand pearl choker estimated at $150,000 was loaned to Camilla by Queen Elizabeth II and is now part of her collection.
From tiaras, necklaces and bracelets to rings, brooches and earrings, Queen Camilla has access to an impressive array of royal jewels worth millions. Even if not personally owned, they are temporarily in her possession, contributing to her overall net worth.
Table of Notable Jewelry in Queen Camilla’s Collection
| Jewelry | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Greville Tiara | $3.5 million |
| Delhi Durbar Necklace | $14 million |
| Diamond and Platinum Bracelet | $400,000 |
| Golden Scarab Brooch | $100,000 |
| Pearl Choker | $150,000 |
Estimated Net Worth Comparison
It is difficult to pin down Queen Camilla’s exact net worth compared to other senior royals. But looking at available estimates, comparisons can be made:
- Queen Camilla: Estimated Net Worth – $5-$15 million
- Catherine, Princess of Wales: Estimated Net Worth – $7-$10 million
- Prince William: Estimated Net Worth – $40 million
- Prince Harry: Estimated Net Worth – $40 million
- Prince Andrew: Estimated Net Worth – $75 million
- Princess Beatrice: Estimated Net Worth – $100 million
- Princess Eugenie: Estimated Net Worth – $10 million
As consort to the monarch, the Queen receives significant public funding through the Sovereign Grant and Duchy of Cornwall, assets which significantly boost her wealth. Yet she does not appear to be among the very wealthiest royals like Prince Andrew or Princess Beatrice.
Queen Camilla’s estimated net worth is reasonably comparable to the Duchess of Cambridge’s, ranging from a few million to over $10 million. However, the Queen Consort has access to expensive jewelry few others in the royal family own.
Changes to Queen Camilla’s Wealth
Becoming Queen Consort has led to some notable changes in Camilla’s income, assets, expenditures, and overall wealth:
Increase in Sovereign Grant Funding
As Queen Consort, Camilla is now eligible for a significant portion of the Sovereign Grant estimated around £1 million annually. This provides increase public funding towards her official duties.
Access to Additional Crown Assets
Queen Camilla now has access to extensive Crown assets for her usage and residency. These include the 775-room Buckingham Palace estimated at over $5 billion, the historic Windsor Castle, Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh, Hampton Court Palace, Kensington Palace’s apartments and more.
Higher Expenditures
With greater public duties and engagements, the Queen Consort’s expenditures on clothing, hair and makeup, transportation and staff has increased. Her jewelry expenses are also higher now that she wears the crown jewels. Camilla may have to cover some of these higher costs from her private income.
Inheritance Changes
Any inheritance Camilla would have received from her family has been surrendered. The Queen Mother had to similarly surrender her personal inheritance upon marrying King George VI. However, this forfeited inheritance is likely offset by Camilla’s access to the Royal Collection of art, jewels and artifacts upon King Charles III’s passing.
Overall, while her exact net worth figure is hard to pinpoint, Queen Camilla has experienced an increase in public funding, assets, expenses and change in future inheritance since her new royal role began. Yet she also forfeits some degree of financial independence and privacy.
Conclusion
Determining the exact net worth of Queen Camilla is quite challenging given the limited public knowledge about the royal family’s finances and assets. Estimates place her net worth somewhere between $5-$15 million. While not the wealthiest royal, she enjoys a comfortable lifestyle.
The majority of the Queen Consort’s wealth derives from her access to public funding through the Sovereign Grant and Duchy of Cornwall, which cover her official expenditures and some private costs. She also has assets including lavish properties, an investment portfolio, and an extraordinary jewelry collection featuring diamonds, tiaras and pearls worth millions.
Compared to other senior royals, Queen Camilla has comparatively less personal wealth than the Queen Mother, Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie or Prince Andrew. Her net worth is likely on par with Kate Middleton’s. Becoming Queen Consort has added to her public funding and assets, but also increased costs and changed inheritance plans.
While the exact figures remain murky, Queen Camilla clearly has access to significant wealth between public funding, private assets and royal privileges. Yet her net worth is reasonably modest compared to others in the royal family. Ultimately, determining the Queen Consort’s total finances is highly complex due to the unique structure of the royal household.
Frequently Asked Questions about Queen Camilla’s Net Worth
How much does the Queen Consort make from the Sovereign Grant?
Queen Camilla is eligible for a portion of the Sovereign Grant estimated around £1 million annually to cover her official duties and office costs. This is comparable to the inflation-adjusted amount the Queen Mother received when she was consort over £1 million today.
What is Queen Camilla’s annual income from the Duchy of Cornwall?
The exact amount Camilla receives from the Duchy of Cornwall is not publicly disclosed. But even before becoming Queen Consort she received significant financial support from the Duchy for her private and official costs. This likely continues in a greater capacity in her new role.
What is the most expensive piece of jewelry Camilla owns?
The Delhi Durbar Emerald Necklace that King Charles III gifted Camilla for her 60th birthday is likely her most expensive piece, valued around $14 million. The Art Deco necklace features impressive emeralds and diamonds from India.
How much is Ray Mill House worth?
Ray Mill House in Wiltshire was purchased by Prince Charles for £850,000 in 1995 as a country home for Camilla. Today it is estimated to be worth at least £5 million as an exclusive private residence for the now Queen Consort.
What charities or causes does Queen Camilla financially support?
Some of Queen Camilla’s supported charities include the National Literacy Trust, Maggie’s Cancer Centers, Barnado’s, Red Cross, Royal Voluntary Service, Dogs Trust, and the Sexual Assault Referral Centres. She supports causes related to literacy, health care, poverty, animals and more.
Has becoming Queen Consort increased Camilla’s expenditures?
Yes, the Queen Consort now likely has higher expenditures related to clothing, transportation, staffing, jewelry and other costs associated with additional public engagements and wearing the crown jewels. Some of this may be covered by increased Sovereign Grant funding.
How much wealth did Queen Camilla have to surrender to marry King Charles?
Like the Queen Mother, Camilla had to surrender much of her personal inheritance upon marrying the monarch. However, this loss is likely offset by her future access to the priceless Crown Jewels, property portfolio, and Royal Collection as the King’s spouse.
Why is it challenging to determine Queen Camilla’s exact net worth?
The limited public knowledge about royal finances, lack of access to the Duchy of Cornwall’s revenue, and secrecy surrounding the Queen Consort’s private investments and assets all make calculating her exact net worth quite difficult. The complex structure of funding for senior royals also contributes to the challenge.
How has becoming Queen impacted Camilla financially?
Camilla now receives more public funding, has access to extensive Crown assets, wears priceless jewels, and has higher expenditures. But she has forfeited some autonomy over her inheritance and private wealth. On balance becoming Queen Consort has boosted Camilla’s net worth and lavish lifestyle.
