Meet The Young Indian Maharaja Who Has Become A Global Fashion Icon

When it comes to royalty, we have grown up hearing stories about the late Queen Elizabeth’s family and her two handsome grandsons, Prince Williams and Prince Harry. But let me introduce you to our very own modern-day Indian royal and style icon,  Maharaja Sawai Padmanabh Singh of Jaipur.

Bringing a fresh perspective to traditional Indian royalty, Padmanabh Singh was born on July 12, 1998, in Jaipur. He is the current Maharaja of Jaipur, though the royal title no longer holds any official power. Known affectionately as “Pacho,” Padmanabh Singh has an impressive lineage as a descendant of the Kachwaha Rajput clan, which has a rich history going back several centuries.

1. Royal Roots and Heritage

He was crowned as the Maharaja of Jaipur in 2011, when he was just 13 years old, after the passing of his grandfather, Maharaja Sawai Bhawani Singh. Even though India no longer has official royal titles, he does represent the cultural and historical legacy of the Jaipur royal family. He’s the eldest son of Princess Diya Kumari of Jaipur and Maharaj Narendra Singh.

2. Education and Global Exposure

He attended the prestigious Mayo College in Ajmer, known for producing some of India’s most influential leaders. Later, he moved to the UK to study at Millfield School and even went on to attend New York University. In 2022, he graduated from the Università e Nobil Collegio degli Orefici: Sant’Eligio in Rome, where he studied cultural heritage management, art history, and Italian.

3. Passion for Polo

Like most royalty, he’s also a gifted polo player. Padmanabh has represented India on numerous occasions and even captained the Indian Polo Team at a young age. He’s participated in high-profile tournaments across the globe and played alongside distinguished figures like Prince William and Prince Harry. He also made it to the Forbes 30 under 30 list when he was captain of the Indian Polo Team in England. 

4. Fashion Icon and Model

Padmanabh has a strong fashion presence, having graced the covers of magazines like GQ and Vogue. He’s known for blending classic royal elegance with modern style, often appearing in traditional Rajasthani attire as well as sleek, tailored suits. His passion for fashion also came through when he walked the runway for Dolce and Gabbana in 2018 in Milan, Italy.

5. Cultural Ambassador and Philanthropist

Padmanabh Singh is invested in using his position to give back. He supports various charitable initiatives and works to preserve Rajasthan’s rich culture. He’s involved in maintaining the City Palace and other heritage sites, ensuring they remain an integral part of India’s history. He also often visits his mother’s outreach foundation, the Princess Diya Kumari Foundation. It focuses on social entrepreneurship and helping women to learn income-generating skills.

Did you know the Maharaja also has an equally stylish sister? Watch out as we cover her most stylish looks soon!

Featured Image: Instagram