In a world where many billionaires hoard their fortunes, Mark Zuckerberg and his wife, Dr. Priscilla Chan, stand out for their philanthropic commitment. The couple recently announced the birth of their third daughter, Aurelia Chan Zuckerberg, on Instagram, sparking discussions about wealth inheritance and the couple’s intentions regarding their substantial assets.
Welcome, Aurelia Chan Zuckerberg!
“Welcome to the world, Aurelia Chan Zuckerberg! You are indeed a little blessing,” Zuckerberg shared on Instagram, capturing heartfelt moments of his newborn daughter. Before Aurelia, the couple welcomed two daughters: August, 5, and Maxima, 7. Their love story began in 2003 at Harvard University, where Zuckerberg was a sophomore and Chan was a freshman, meeting at a university party.
The couple moved in together in September 2010 and surprised guests with their backyard wedding in Palo Alto, California, in May 2012. They recently celebrated their 10th anniversary.
A Commitment to Philanthropy
When their first daughter, Maxima, was born, the Zuckerbergs pledged to donate 99% of their Facebook shares—valued at approximately $45 billion at the time—to create a healthier, happier world for Max and other children. This commitment led to the establishment of the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative (CZI), which focuses on education, health, community building, and disease prevention.
Given this generous pledge, many wonder: will Zuckerberg’s children inherit any of his wealth?
The Wealth of Mark Zuckerberg
Mark Zuckerberg, ranked the 15th richest person in the world by Forbes in 2022, has a net worth of $72.5 billion. Despite his modest style—often seen in simple T-shirts—Zuckerberg enjoys a lavish lifestyle, including a real estate portfolio valued at approximately $320 million. Reports suggest he purchased a $150 million yacht named Ulysses and owns significant land in Hawaii, including a 286-acre property on Kauai.
In March 2021, he acquired an additional 245 acres on Kauai for $53 million and later added 45 acres for $17 million. His Palo Alto mansion, purchased for $7 million in 2011, features luxurious amenities such as a saltwater pool, a spa, and a robot butler.
Luxury Cars and Security Expenses
Although often seen driving everyday cars like a Honda Fit, Zuckerberg owns a stunning Pagani Huayra, valued at $1.4 million. He also drives an Infiniti G Sedan, a premium vehicle priced at around $34,000.
The cost of ensuring security for one of the world’s wealthiest individuals is substantial. In 2021, Meta Platforms spent over $15 million on Zuckerberg’s security, excluding $10 million he received as a pre-tax allowance and over $1.6 million for private jet usage.
A Unique Parenting Style
Despite being a billionaire, Zuckerberg is raising his daughters with a focus on hard work and humility. In a 2019 interview, he discussed not wanting to provide everything for his children. His daughters help with household chores and are not exposed to a lavish lifestyle.
Zuckerberg and Chan actively involve their children in their professional lives, teaching them the importance of contributing to society. “I essentially share with Max and Augie what matters most in life,” Zuckerberg stated. He engages with them daily, asking how they helped others, whether through simple acts like setting the table or assisting classmates.
The couple has introduced coding to their children from an early age. Chan shared that Zuckerberg started teaching their daughter August to code when she was just three years old, showcasing their commitment to instilling valuable skills.
Every evening, Zuckerberg dedicates time to code with his daughters before bedtime. The couple has divided parenting responsibilities, with Chan handling the mornings and Zuckerberg taking over in the evenings.
While the Zuckerbergs have pledged to donate the majority of their wealth to charitable causes, it’s clear they prioritize raising their children with a strong sense of values and responsibility. As their family grows, the question remains: will Aurelia and her sisters inherit any of their father’s vast fortune, or will they follow the path of philanthropy set by their parents?