The ruling royal household of Qatar, the Home of Al-Thani, now owns extra of London than the British monarchy — and the dimensions of their affect is elevating eyebrows.
Qatari royals now personal extra of London than King Charles, report says
Based on a report by GB Information, the Al-Thani household has constructed an enormous property empire throughout the capital. Their actual property portfolio consists of round 1.8 million sq. ft of land — far surpassing the non-public holdings of King Charles III.
Whereas King Charles is linked to many historic websites just like the Tower of London and Hampton Courtroom Palace, these usually are not personally owned by him. They belong to the Crown Property, which means they’re held ‘in belief’ for the nation, not non-public property of the monarch.
The Qatari royals, nevertheless, face no such limits. Their investments are private or state-owned property, and their attain stretches far throughout London.
What properties does the Qatari royals personal?
They reportedly personal 1 / 4 of northwest Mayfair — now nicknamed ‘Little Doha’ — and have full possession of Harrods, the world-famous division retailer. Additionally they personal luxurious lodges together with The Berkeley, Claridge’s, The Connaught, and The Emory by Maybourne Motels, which is run by Sheikh Mohammed Bin Hamad Bin Jassim Bin Jaber Al-Thani.
Their affect isn’t restricted to property and hospitality. The Al-Thanis additionally maintain a 95% stake in The Shard, the tallest constructing in Europe, and co-own Canary Wharf, one among London’s key enterprise districts.
In transport and retail, their energy can be rising. Qatar owns 20% of Heathrow Airport, which is anticipated to deal with over 84 million travellers in 2025. As well as, the Qatari state owns 14.3% of Sainsbury’s, one of many UK’s largest grocery store chains.
Regardless of their rising presence, a lot of the Al-Thani household’s exercise has been quiet and gradual. Right this moment, their affect in London rivals — and even surpasses — that of the British royal household, not less than by way of land possession.
With an estimated household wealth of round £2.4 billion, and the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, personally value about £1.6 billion, their funding energy continues to develop — reshaping London’s panorama alongside the way in which.
