An unofficial king

Although Singh’s title of maharaja is not officially recognised by law, since India’s secular democracy abolished the privy purses and inherited rights of such titles in 1971, most locals still revere the aristocracy. He took the ceremonial title in 2011 after his grandfather, Sawai Man Singh Bahadur, died.

Groomed for a life with or without luxury

At just four years old Singh went to boarding school at Mayo College in Ajmer, leaving his hometown of Jaipur far behind. He said it groomed him to become the person he is today, explaining that there were no luxuries. He has described it as a taste of “normal” life, where other children didn’t care about his fancy clothes and nobody knew his background.

Wealth

Singh controls the royal fortune which Business Insider have estimated at between US$697 million and US$855 million. Other sources give figures running into the billions including all the palaces, jewels, gold, antiques and land that belong to the family.

The magnificent palace

Singh’s family lives in the City Palace Jaipur, built between 1729 and 1732. The family has its own entrance for their exclusive use, with much of the palace a museum open to the public. The halls and sumptuous rooms are filled with crystal chandeliers, huge murals, vintage artefacts and folk art that is worth millions. A portion of the place, the Gudliya Suite, is also available as a highly exclusive holiday apartment on Airbnb.

The story behind his nickname

The young royal is called Pacho by those closest to him. Although many believe it is an abbreviation of his name, Singh has explained that it was his beloved gran that gave him the nickname, taking it from a favourite TV series.

Open-minded about travel

Singh’s time at Mayo College groomed him not only for a life without luxury if need be, but also of travel. He said that when he travels now, he often sleeps on friends’ floors or couches. A previous trip, taken while he was at university in New York, even saw him go backpacking in Brazil. The young royal describes his taste in locations as enjoying places filled with history and places where he can really get to know how local communities operate.

No time for a social life

Although he loves travel, Singh has a passion for horses and polo. His obsession is such that he sometimes chooses looking after his horses over going out to mingle with pals. He says that looking after horses requires patience and if he goes out, he has to work hard to keep them and himself fit for the rest of the week.

His polo career started early and he has played for the Indian national team, as well as in games with or against British royals, Prince William and Prince Harry.

Finding satisfaction

So, he has a palace at home but sleeps on friend’s floors when he travels? Singh says that he can’t let his background go to his head, explaining that he has to find a mix between the public and private worlds he inhabits, especially when travelling.

“I represent the history of thousands of years, and it is my duty to act as its ambassador; not just in India, but abroad as well,” he says.

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