The shadow of the tragedy that occurred in the Austrian Alps in 2012 still quietly hangs over the Dutch royal family. The death of Prince Friso, brother of reigning monarch Willem-Alexander, in an avalanche was a heavy blow for his wife, Princess Mabel, and their two daughters. This event radically changed her life, distancing her from official court duties. Nevertheless, she kept her title and has remained close to her sister-in-law, Queen Máxima.
Today, 57-year-old Mabel lives permanently in London with her daughters, Countess Luana and Countess Zaria. Far from the strict royal protocol, she has built an impressive career as a businesswoman. Her financial savvy and entrepreneurial spirit recently landed her among the 100 richest people in the Netherlands—a clear testament to her talents in the business world.
Princess Mabel’s financial journey has been a roller coaster. After a period when her capital took a noticeable dip, 2025 marked a stunning comeback. Shrewd investments in the tech sector led to a rapid growth in her assets. This success has placed her among Europe’s elite, making her wealthier than most royals—surpassed only by reigning monarchs like Prince Albert II of Monaco, Hans-Adam II of Liechtenstein, and Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg.
Recent financial reports indicate that Princess Mabel’s wealth has experienced the fastest growth among the Dutch elite over the past year, rising by an impressive 26%. Her personal assets are now estimated at €575 million, placing her 96th in the national ranking of the richest citizens. This is a remarkable achievement, especially considering that her fortune peaked at €850 million in 2021 before suffering significant losses due to market instability.
The foundation of this vast fortune was laid by her late husband. Prince Friso was remarkably forward-thinking, investing millions in Adyen—a company specializing in digital payment systems. Following Adyen’s successful IPO in 2018, the company’s shares soared. Princess Mabel made the strategic decision to sell a significant portion of her stake but retained a share that now brings her substantial dividends as the stock continues to grow.
While Mabel’s personal success is impressive, the House of Orange-Nassau as a whole ranks as the eighth wealthiest family in the country, with a combined fortune of €1.5 billion. For context, King Willem-Alexander receives an annual salary of €1.2 million, while Queen Máxima receives half a million, and both amounts are tax-free. Nevertheless, even their combined wealth pales in comparison to the richest family in the Netherlands, the Brenninkmeijers (owners of the C&A chain), whose assets are estimated at €22 billion.
