How Queen Elizabeth’s fortune is split between royal family members

To an outsider, royal life may seem like an endless supply of crowns, charity galas, meet-and-greets, as well as having access to the Queen's lush bank account. Contrary to popular belief, this only applies to a handful of 'working royals.'

Working royals are members of the royal family who earn an allowance for performing official duties. For example, last year Harry received $3 million for visiting charities and army units, as well as serving as a goodwill ambassador.

In 2018 Harry attended 108 events in the UK and 85 overseas, including his and Meghan's tour of Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and Tonga. Prince William on the other hand attended 150 events in the UK and 70 abroad.

Meghan – who became an official member of the royal family in May – was present at 45 engagements in the UK and 51 foreign. While Kate attended 87 public events at home and 51 overseas.

Other members of the royal family on the Queen's bankroll are her children including Anne, the hardest working royal in 2018 who attended a whopping 447 domestic appearances and 71 overseas. Andrew and Edward are also considered working royals, as are the Dukes of Gloucester and Kent.

Despite participating in various family events, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie are not working royals, as they both have their own careers; Eugenie works at an art gallery in London, while Beatrice works for a US-based company called Afiniti. 

But this could all change when Prince Charles becomes monarch. The current system of allowances is relatively stable, but those dependent on royal financial support – and those keen to be added to the list of working royals – will be hoping to be in Prince Charles' good books if and when he becomes King.

As for how much the Queen has sitting in the bank?

Since a vast amount of her wealth is tied up in unique trusts and priceless treasures, to pin down an exact amount is pretty much impossible. The Sunday Times estimated last year that the Queen is worth around $500 million, making her just the 344th person on the Rich List of Britain’s wealthiest people.