Where Do Royals From Around The Globe Actually Live?

According to the Guinness Book of World Records, Istana Nurul Iman, located in the small sultanate of Brunei, is the largest residential palace in the world. Built in 1984, the official residence of Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah features almost 1,800 rooms. It's located on the Brunei River near the capital city, Bandar Seri Bergawan, and is estimated to be worth $1.8 billion. 

In addition to a large mosque, stables, and five swimming pools, Istana Nurul Iman also has a banquet hall that can fit up to 5,000 guests. The residence has over 250 bathrooms and a helipad, and is decorated with the finest materials from around the world. Almost 40 different kinds of marble were used alongside Chinese silk and English glass. 

The Sultan adores his horses - he owns 200 - and has provided them with air-conditioned stables. He also has a garage that can hold his $9 billion car collection. 

Built on the former site of Edo Castle, the Tokyo Imperial Palace serves several purposes in addition to being the official residence of the Emperor of Japan and his family. The palace, built during the late 19th century after Tokyo became Japan's capital, features a museum that houses 10,000 works of art and Japan's national archives.  

The Imperial Palace also features numerous gardens and historic elements, including a moat. Visitors can tour some of the grounds and see a portion of the extensive art collection. The gardens at the Imperial Palace all offer unique experiences, from the Outer Garden's modern feel to the East Garden's hidden Ninomaru garden surrounded by an ancient wall. 

The Danish royal family divides their year among four royal residences. Designed by Nicolai Eigtved in the mid-18th century, Amalienborg is the Danish royal residence in Copenhagen and serves as the winter home of the Danish royal family. Amalienborg is actually a complex of four palaces surrounding an octagon-shaped courtyard. The current Queen of Denmark, Margrethe II, lives in Christian IX's palace. Her son, Crown Prince Frederik, resides in Frederik VIII's palace with his wife, Crown Princess Mary.

During the spring and fall, Queen Margrethe II shifts to Fredensborg Palace, something her predecessors traditionally did during the summer months. Located on the Island of Zealand, Fredensborg is spread out over 300 acres and houses gardens, sculptures, a church, and an orangery. 

Graasten Palace became the summer residence of the Danish royal family in 1935, a tradition that has continued to the present day. Located in the Jutland region, Graasten houses a chapel and an elaborate garden. The queen also spends time at Marselisbourg Palace in the summer. The 32-acre Arhaus estate features several ponds, rolling hills, and vast greenery. 

In 1948, the Constitution of Luxembourg designated Berg Castle as the official residence of the Grand Duke, the duchy's head of state. The Grand Duke didn't move into Berg Castle until 1964 when renovations were completed.

Berg Castle was built between 1907 and 1911 and served as the ducal residence until WWII, when the Germans used it as a girls' school. 

King Phillippe and Queen Mathilde of Belgium currently reside at the Castle of Laeken with their four children, Elisabeth, Gabriel, Emmanuel, and Eleonore. Originally called Castle Schonenberg, the Castle of Laeken was built in the 1780s and is surrounded by vast castle gardens. The castle became the royal residence of King Leopold I in 1831. His son, King Leopold II, built numerous greenhouses and conservatories on the site. 

The first royal greenhouse, known as the Winter Garden, took 30 years to build and was constructed to accommodate palm trees and royal receptions alike. The glass and iron structures at Laeken include pavilions and domes that only open to the public for three weeks each year. 

First occupied by King Oscar I in 1849, the Royal Palace in Oslo was built over a 25-year period. The palace features neoclassical structures with two wings and three stories. Completed in 1843, the Bird Room is one of the palace's most exquisite chambers. Architect Hans Ditlev Franciscus Linstow described his vision for the room: 

Those granted an audience will be waiting. Since they often have to spend some time in this room the decoration of it should give pleasure and at the same time speak to all kinds of people. I therefore propose that the walls are painted with Norwegian landscapes. Since Norway is rich in beautiful scenery, this task should not be difficult. 

Artist Johannes Flintoe decorated the Bird Room with wooden floors, light grey walls, and representations of 43 Norwegian birds.