Harry Styles, Dua Lipa, and a slew of other well-known celebrities have found themselves among the ranks of The Sunday Times’ first-ever 40 Under 40 Rich List, highlighting the substantial wealth amassed by the UK’s brightest stars under 40. The prestigious list was released alongside the annual Sunday Times Rich List, a 76-page special edition that showcases the fortunes of the 350 wealthiest individuals and families in Britain.
Topping the musicians’ segment on the list is Ed Sheeran, who at 33 years old has cemented his status as the richest young musician in the UK, with a jaw-dropping net worth of £340 million. Sheeran’s success, built on record-breaking albums, extensive tours, and songwriting royalties, underscores his influence in the music industry. Known for hits like “Shape of You” and “Perfect,” Sheeran’s relentless work ethic and appeal across demographics have translated into remarkable commercial success.
Trailing not far behind is 30-year-old Harry Styles, who secured his place as the next wealthiest musician under 40 in the UK with a net worth of £175 million. Styles, a former member of the world-renowned boy band One Direction, has established himself as a solo superstar with chart-topping albums, sold-out tours, and high-profile film appearances, including his role in Christopher Nolan’s acclaimed war drama “Dunkirk.” Additionally, Styles has ventured into business, investing in Co-Op Live, a Manchester-based music venue that finally opened on May 14 following a series of delays. His dual success in music and film has earned him a joint 17th position on the 40 Under 40 Rich List alongside boxing champion Anthony Joshua.
One of the most iconic voices of her generation, Adele, claims the 19th spot with a fortune of £170 million. The 16-time Grammy Award-winning singer from Tottenham continues to captivate audiences worldwide, particularly through her Las Vegas residency at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace, which began in 2022 and concludes in November this year. Adele’s powerhouse vocals and deeply personal songwriting have made her a global sensation, contributing significantly to her impressive wealth.
Dua Lipa, another celebrated British pop sensation, shares the 29th position with actor Daniel Radcliffe, each boasting a net worth of £90 million. At just 28, Lipa has become a prominent figure in pop music, with her latest album “Radical Optimism” debuting at number one on the UK albums chart. Known for hits such as “Levitating” and “Don’t Start Now,” Lipa’s career trajectory has been marked by bold creativity and commercial triumphs, including an upcoming headline performance at Glastonbury Festival in June.
Meanwhile, Radcliffe, best recognized for his portrayal of Harry Potter, continues to reap the rewards of the film series that catapulted him to international fame. Now 34, Radcliffe has diversified his career through roles in stage productions and independent films, building a substantial fortune that reflects his enduring appeal and adaptability in the entertainment industry.
The list, however, is not limited to those from the entertainment world. Hugh Grosvenor, the seventh Duke of Westminster, tops the 40 Under 40 Rich List with a staggering £10.1 billion fortune. As Prince George’s godfather, Grosvenor inherited his vast wealth, including an extensive land and property portfolio, at the age of 25. His inclusion highlights the continued influence of inherited wealth alongside self-made fortunes on the list.
While the majority of individuals featured have built their fortunes independently, nine of the entries, including Grosvenor, were born into wealth. The Sunday Times emphasized the impressive entrepreneurial spirit of many of those featured, with Robert Watts, the list’s compiler, noting the rising fortunes stemming from fashion, alcohol brands, sports, and the tech sector, including artificial intelligence. “Despite the tougher business environment, we have many impressive entrepreneurial stories in this year’s Sunday Times Rich List,” Watts stated. “Our 40 Under 40 list includes individuals who have quickly built fortunes from fashion, vodka, sport, and increasingly the tech sector and AI. Many of these young guns are already employing hundreds of people and some will go on to be the future of the British economy.”
The Rich List itself offers a comprehensive snapshot of wealth in the UK, with its rankings based on identifiable assets such as land, property, significant shares in publicly quoted companies, and other valuable holdings, including art and racehorses. Notably, it does not take bank account balances into account, as this information remains inaccessible to the compilers.
The 40 Under 40 List serves as a reflection of Britain’s diverse and thriving talent pool, spanning industries as varied as music, sports, entertainment, and business. As the economic landscape evolves, these young millionaires and billionaires are poised to shape the future, demonstrating resilience, innovation, and the power of creativity. With figures like Styles, Lipa, Sheeran, and many others leading the charge, the UK’s young elite continue to make waves both nationally and on the global stage, capturing the imaginations of fans and inspiring the next generation of entrepreneurs and artists.