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Throughout history, royalty have been known for their extravagant spending. From gold-plated luxury items to over-the-top celebrations, the extent of their opulence often knows no bounds. This blog post explores 22 of the most luxurious and ridiculous things that royalty have spent money on, ranging from solid gold toilets to private islands.
1. A $50 Million Birthday Party (Sultan of Brunei for his Son)
The Sultan of Brunei hosted an extravagant $50 million birthday party for his son’s 11th birthday. The week-long celebration featured performances by Michael Jackson and Whitney Houston, showcasing the sultan’s ability to turn fantasy into reality.
A gold-encrusted cake was just one of the many highlights, reflecting the opulence and grandeur of Brunei’s royal family. This lavish party remains etched in history as a testament to royal excess.
2. A $65,000 Per Night Hotel Suite (Maharaja of Baroda, India)
The Maharaja of Baroda indulged in the Rajpipla Suite at Mumbai’s Taj Mahal Palace, costing a staggering $65,000 per night. This suite features 24-karat gold ceilings, a personal butler, and unparalleled luxury.
Staying here is more than just accommodation; it’s an experience that transcends ordinary life. It showcases the extravagance that can accompany royal status, where even hotel stays become an art of luxury living.
3. A Solid Gold Toilet (King Louis XIV of France)
King Louis XIV, known as the Sun King, possessed a toilet made entirely of solid gold. This wasn’t just a functional piece; it was a statement of his immense power and wealth. Courtiers would gather to witness the king’s morning routine, a bizarre ritual where luxury met everyday necessity.
The golden throne was more than a bathroom fixture; it symbolized the king’s divine right to rule. In the lavish courts of France, nothing was too extravagant, not even for personal hygiene.
4. A $12 Million Falconry Center (Qatari Royal Family)
The Qatari Royal Family’s falconry center, costing $12 million, stands as a testament to their love for the sport. This air-conditioned desert palace provides first-class travel accommodations for falcons, complete with their own plane seats.
This lavish dedication to falconry highlights the unique cultural traditions that royalty uphold, blending tradition with modern luxury. The center exemplifies how passion can transform into a grand spectacle of wealth.
5. A $75 Million Crown (British Royal Family, St. Edward’s Crown)
The British Royal Family’s St. Edward’s Crown is a masterpiece of opulence, used during coronations. Weighing 5 pounds, its 22-karat gold frame is adorned with 444 precious stones, making it a heavy and majestic headpiece.
Queen Elizabeth II famously practiced wearing it while watching TV, preparing for her coronation. The crown’s historical significance and intricate craftsmanship make it an emblem of British royalty’s rich heritage.
6. A $1.5 Billion Wedding (Indian Prince Yadavindra Singh)
Indian Prince Yadavindra Singh’s wedding was an event of legendary proportions, costing $1.5 billion. The spectacle included 1,000 elephants, a pearl-encrusted carriage, and a 20-pound gold necklace.
This opulent affair highlighted the fusion of tradition and extravagance, with every detail meticulously crafted to reflect royal magnificence. The wedding remains a historical milestone, illustrating how love and luxury can intertwine on a grand scale.
7. A $30 Million Diamond Bra (King Farouk of Egypt for His Mistress)
King Farouk of Egypt, known for his lavish lifestyle, gifted a diamond-studded bra to his mistress. This $30 million garment, adorned with hundreds of diamonds, symbolized his extravagant affection.
The bra’s creation reflects the whimsical opulence of King Farouk’s reign, where even intimate gifts became declarations of wealth. Such displays of luxury remain emblematic of the era’s indulgent spirit.
8. A $100 Million Private Jet with Gold-Plated Seatbelts (Sultan of Brunei)
The Sultan of Brunei’s private jet, a Boeing 747, epitomizes airborne luxury. Valued at $100 million, its interior is gold-plated, including the seatbelts, elevating air travel to a regal experience.
This extravagant customization reflects the sultan’s taste for opulence, transforming ordinary flight into a journey fit for kings. The jet stands as a testament to the boundless possibilities of wealth.
9. A $200 Million “Floating Palace” Yacht (Russian Oligarch Roman Abramovich)
Roman Abramovich’s yacht Eclipse, a $200 million marvel, is a floating palace with helipads, a submarine, and missile defenses. While not royalty, Abramovich’s extravagant lifestyle rivals that of kings.
The yacht’s advanced features and luxurious design highlight the fusion of technology and opulence, showcasing a world where wealth knows no limits. It remains a symbol of unattainable luxury.
10. A $1.2 Million Bathtub (Emperor Nero’s Solid Marble Tub)
Emperor Nero’s solid marble bathtub, valued at $1.2 million, exemplified the decadence of ancient Rome. Carved from a single block of Egyptian marble, it was a testament to Nero’s luxurious lifestyle.
As Rome burned, Nero bathed in opulence, symbolizing the disconnect between ruler and subjects. This bathtub remains a historical symbol of excess, where luxury reached its zenith.
11. A $6 Million Birthday Cake (Dubai’s Royal Family)
Dubai’s royal family commissioned a $6 million birthday cake in the shape of a life-size Lamborghini. This edible work of art was a centerpiece of a grand celebration.
The cake reflects Dubai’s penchant for blending innovation with extravagance, where even desserts become masterpieces. It stands as a symbol of the limitless creativity and luxury that define the region.
12. A $20 Million Gold-Plated Mercedes (Saudi King Fahd)
Saudi King Fahd’s custom Mercedes 600, valued at $20 million, featured gold-plated elements, including seatbelts and door handles. This automotive masterpiece was a rolling display of opulence.
The car’s luxurious design and attention to detail made it a symbol of Saudi wealth and extravagance, where even transportation becomes a statement of grandeur.
13. A $50 Million Private Amusement Park (Saudi Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal)
Saudi Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal’s private amusement park, costing $50 million, is a wonderland of roller coasters, a zoo, and a cinema. This exclusive playground reflects the prince’s desire for private entertainment.
The park’s attractions offer a glimpse into a world where leisure and luxury go hand in hand, creating a personal paradise far removed from the ordinary.
14. A $100,000 Per Night Safari Tent (Qatari Royal Family in Kenya)
The Qatari Royal Family’s safari adventure in Kenya involved staying in a $100,000 per night tent. Complete with chandeliers, butlers, and fresh sushi delivered by private jet, this was no ordinary camping experience.
The tent’s opulence illustrates the fusion of nature and luxury, transforming a safari into a lavish escape. It highlights the unique experiences that wealth can provide.
15. A $300 Million Private Island (Beyoncé & Jay-Z, but Royals Do It Too)
While not royalty, celebrities like Beyoncé & Jay-Z reflect a trend that many monarchs embrace: owning private islands. These $300 million paradises offer serene escapes, complete with luxurious villas and pristine beaches.
For royals, islands symbolize ultimate privacy and opulence, a world apart from the bustling life of the throne. They stand as a testament to the allure of secluded luxury.
16. A $1 Million High Heel Collection (Imelda Marcos, Philippines’ “Steel Butterfly”)
Imelda Marcos, known as the “Steel Butterfly” of the Philippines, amassed a $1 million high heel collection. This extravagant array included 3,000 pairs, some embellished with diamonds.
Her obsession with shoes became a symbol of her lavish lifestyle, reflecting the opulence and elegance that defined her era. The collection remains infamous, illustrating the excesses of power and privilege.
17. A $200,000 Per Month Flower Budget (Prince Albert II of Monaco)
Prince Albert II of Monaco maintains a $200,000 per month budget for fresh orchids, ensuring his palace is always filled with seasonal blooms.
This floral extravagance reflects the elegance and tradition of Monaco’s royal court, where even nature becomes a canvas for luxury. The ever-changing floral displays add a touch of beauty and sophistication to royal life.
18. A $10 Million Gold-Plated Piano (King George IV of England)
King George IV of England commissioned a $10 million gold-plated piano to match his opulent furniture. This extravagant instrument became a centerpiece of royal gatherings.
The piano’s lavish design and craftsmanship reflect the grandeur of the king’s reign, where even music was an expression of wealth. It stands as a historical artifact of an age defined by luxury.
19. A $70 Million Private Jet for a Falcon (UAE Royal Family)
The UAE Royal Family’s dedication to falconry led to commissioning a $70 million private jet specifically for their prized birds. Complete with custom seating, this extravagant travel arrangement reflects the importance of tradition.
The jet embodies the fusion of heritage and luxury, transforming ordinary travel into an extraordinary journey. It highlights the unique cultural significance of falconry in the UAE.
20. A $2 Million Bed (King Louis XV of France)
King Louis XV’s “Bed of Justice,” valued at $2 million, was a marvel of craftsmanship. Taking 10 artisans an entire year to build, the bed’s intricate designs reflected the king’s love for opulence.
This extravagant piece of furniture was more than a place to sleep; it was a statement of royal authority and wealth. It exemplifies the luxurious lifestyle of the French monarchy.
21. A $1 Billion Palace with 1,500 Rooms (Saudi King Salman)
Saudi King Salman’s $1 billion palace, boasting 1,500 rooms, is a monumental example of royal luxury. Its vast expanse dwarfs even the White House, making it a symbol of unimaginable wealth.
The palace’s opulent design and sheer size highlight the grandeur of the Saudi monarchy, where nothing is too excessive. It stands as a beacon of the kingdom’s prosperity and power.
22. A $100,000 Haircut (Prince William’s Bald Spot Touch-Up, Allegedly)
Rumors surrounding Prince William’s alleged $100,000 haircut have intrigued many. This touch-up, aimed at addressing a bald spot, reflects the pressures of maintaining a royal image.
The luxury grooming session, whether fact or folklore, highlights the lengths to which royals may go for appearances. It symbolizes the unique challenges of being in the public eye constantly.