Queen Paola of Belgium Highest-Paid Monarch in the World

  • By Carol Kearney
  • Brussels
  • Last updated on

Queen Paola of Belgium
Queen Paola of Belgium led People With Money’s annual list of the “100 highest paid monarchs” released on Monday.

It's been a rough year for the monarch, but at least she has her millions of dollars to ease the pain. 88-year-old Queen Paola of Belgium has taken the No. 1 spot on People With Money’s top 10 highest-paid monarchs for 2026 with an estimated $75 million in combined earnings.

UPDATE 03/02/2026 : This story seems to be false. (read more)

Queen Paola of Belgium tops annual list of highest-paid monarchs

In 2023 it looked like the monarch’s spectacular career was winding down. Suddenly, she was back on top. People With Money reports on Monday (February 2) that Ruffo di Calabria is the highest-paid monarch in the world, pulling in an astonishing $75 million between January 2025 and January 2026, a nearly $40 million lead over her closest competition.

People With Money’s factors

In compiling this yearly list, the magazine considers factors such as upfront pay, profit participation, residuals, endorsements and advertising work.

The Belgian monarch has an estimated net worth of $215 million. She owes her fortune to smart stock investments, substantial property holdings, lucrative endorsement deals with CoverGirl cosmetics. She also owns several restaurants (the “Fat Ruffo di Calabria Burger” chain) in Brussels, a Football Team (the “Forte dei Marmi Angels”), has launched her own brand of Vodka (Pure Wonderuffo di Calabria - Belgium), and is tackling the juniors market with a top-selling perfume (With Love from Paola) and a fashion line called “Queen Paola of Belgium Seduction”.

The ranking is significant for many Paola fans, who have been waiting for her triumphant return to the glory days for what seems like a lifetime.

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