The Duchess of Cambridge's Princess Charlotte: ‘Richest’ Royal Baby Worth $5 Billion In Economic Boost

By Komfie Manalo
Princess Charlotte
Princess Charlotte could be worth $5 billion to the UK economy. Reuters

Talk about being born with a silver spoon - literally.

Four-month old princess Charlotte, the youngest member of the royal family and daughter of the Duke of Cambridge Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge Kate Middleton, is seen to being an estimated $5 billion into the U.K. economy, said Brand Finance, and independent brand valuation and strategy consultancy that helps organizations to maximize the returns from their assets.

According to CNN Money, the so-called "Charlotte effect" could generate windfall revenue for several products, from baby foods, baby dresses, fashion, toys, shoes, etc. However, Princess Charlotte's mother, Kate, is estimated to be worth $7.2 billion and her brother, Prince George, at $3.6 billion.

"The unofficial endorsement of Charlotte, George and Kate in particular has a profound financial effect running into millions annually. The demand for authentic connection to or emulation of key members of the royal family is by no means fulfilled. This too presents a major opportunity," said Brand Finance Chief Executive David Haigh.

Princess Charlotte has already shown impressive numbers despite being introduced to the world in only four month and seen publicly only twice, when she was born and during her christening. Brand Finance said those two public appearances have already generated impressive business interest.

Indeed the $100 lacy shawl the princess wore when she was first introduced to the public continues to sell. "The shawl is still very popular, we have seen a big increase in orders from all around the world in the last couple of months, thanks to all the media coverage," Gillian Taylor, director at G.H. Hurt & Sons told CNN.

British Monarchy Worth $87 Billion

On September 9th Queen Elizabeth II will become the longest serving monarch in British history. Her majesty acceded to the throne on February 6th 1952, meaning that Queen Victoria's record of 23,226 days, 16 hours and 23 minutes will soon be broken. This milestone has already begun to reignite debates about the Monarchy's future and whether it is an asset or a drain on the British economy.

Specialist brand and business valuation agency Brand Finance sought to answer this question at the time of Queen Elizabeth's Diamond Jubilee in 2012, finding the Monarchy's value at that point to be in excess of $67 billion (£44 billion). Brand Finance's latest update to that figure suggests that as the Queen becomes Britain's longest reigning sovereign, the institution that she leads is more valuable than ever. It is now worth just under $87 billion (£57 billion) and will make a net contribution to the economy this year of $1.767 billion (£1.155bn).

Brand Finance has estimated the value of the Monarchy, often known colloquially as 'The Firm', as if it were a business. First, the annual contribution to the UK economy has been estimated. Costs such as the Sovereign Grant, security and maintenance of palaces have been netted off against sources of income including the uplift to tourism, the price premium commanded by brands with Royal Warrants, the surplus generated by the Crown Estate. This net annual contribution amounts to $1.767 billion (£1.155 billion) in 2015.

When this contribution is projected into perpetuity, it has a net present value of $55.8 billion (£36.7 billion).  To this are added The Firm's tangible assets (the Crown Estate, the Duchies of Cornwall and Lancaster and the Crown Jewels) to reach a total of $86.7 billion (£56.7 billion).

Haigh commented, "As Queen Elizabeth approaches this historic milestone, she heads a Royal Family near a peak of popularity. Yet the old debate over whether the Monarchy should be retained continues to rage. The principle of whether monarchy is an appropriate and fair form of government in the 21st century certainly remains open to question. However Brand Finance's research shows that from an economic standpoint at least, the royalists firmly have the upper hand."

  • [Exclusive Interview] A revelation within the brink of life and death — Meg Leung’s mission in Christian art

    Meg Leung (梁麗橋), an artist with a lifelong love for watercolor painting, sees her art as more than a means of expressing her inner world; it is a bridge connecting her to God. Her artistic journey has revealed God’s perfect plan and inspired her to communicate the power of faith through her wor

  • Transgenderism a fundamental human right? Hong Kong public disagrees, survey finds

    A 2024 survey from the Society for Truth and Light (明光社)'s Center for Life and Ethics Research reveals that respondents from various backgrounds prioritize personal safety and fairness when it comes to transgender issues. When laws involve moral judgments, most respondents believe courts should not make the decisions. The study also indicates that religious believers share similar views with non-religious respondents, reflecting that many churches may rarely address gender topics in depth.

  • Discipleship and Evangelism: Walking the Path of the Great Commission

    Like an ever-flowing spring, the gospel refreshes dry, parched lands and needs our unwavering passion and steadfast faith to transform lives and bring renewal. The "flame in our hearts" calls Christians to keep their faith and love for the Lord ablaze, representing the work and power of the Holy Spirit, driving us to proclaim God's glory boldly.

  • North America Chinese Evangelical Seminary year-end report highlights significant ministry progress

    As the year draws to a close, Rev. James Liu, President of the Chinese Evangelical Seminary North America (CESNA), reflected on the seminary’s remarkable growth and ministry development over the past year. Dedicated to providing theological education to Chinese Christians, CESNA continues to uphold its mission to remain faithful to the gospel and nurture believers. This year’s achievements span academic, ministerial, and outreach endeavors, fostering spiritual growth and advancing missionary wo