King Charles III has seen a significant increase in his personal wealth, bringing him equal to former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and his wife Akshata Murty, according to the latest Sunday Times Rich List. The annual list of the UK’s 350 richest individuals indicated a decrease in the number of billionaires, marking the most substantial decline in the history of the paper. Over the past year, the King’s fortune has surged by £30m to £640m, propelling him 20 places up the rankings to 258 alongside Sunak and Murty.
Maintaining the top spot on the list for the fourth consecutive year is the Hinduja family linked to the Indian conglomerate Hinduja Group, whose wealth remains over £35bn despite a decline. The number of billionaires dropped to 156 this year from 165 in 2024, illustrating a sharp decline in the 37-year history of the Sunday Times Rich List. Compiler of the list, Robert Watts, highlighted the downward trend in billionaire count and total wealth of those featured in the research. Moreover, he noted the diminishing influx of the world’s wealthiest individuals choosing to reside in the UK.
The discussion around the Treasury, led by Rachel Reeves, elicited robust criticism from affluent individuals during interviews for the publication. The decision to abolish the non-dom tax status by the Labour government, which allows UK residents to have their permanent home outside the country for tax purposes, has sparked concerns among various groups. Former Conservative chancellor Jeremy Hunt initially unveiled plans to eliminate the tax status before his successor, Rachel Reeves, expedited the process last year.
Following the Hinduja family at the top of the rankings are the Reuben brothers, with a fortune nearing £27bn, acquired through investments in property and technology. Not far behind is Sir Leonard Blavatnik, a British-American businessman of Ukrainian descent, whose net worth hovers around £26bn. The list also features prominent figures such as Sir Lewis Hamilton, the Beckhams, Sir Elton John, and Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who co-owns Manchester United. Notable mentions from the younger demographic include Dua Lipa, 29, ranked at 34 with an estimated wealth of £115m, while Harry Styles, 31, and Ed Sheeran, 34, were placed at 22 and 13, respectively, with fortunes of £225m and £370m
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