The Kingdom 5KR is no ordinary yacht—it’s a floating icon that has passed through the hands of some of the world’s most powerful and notorious figures, each owner adding a new layer to its fascinating legacy. Built in 1980 by the esteemed Italian shipyard Benetti, the yacht was originally commissioned by Saudi arms dealer Adnan Khashoggi, who spared no expense in crafting a vessel that was both a showpiece and a sanctuary of luxury. At nearly 86 meters long and with a price tag between $85 and $100 million, the yacht was one of the largest and most luxurious of its time. Known then as Nabila, she was outfitted with lavish custom materials that mirrored Khashoggi’s extravagant lifestyle, embodying the decadence and intrigue of his business empire.
In a twist that further cemented her mystique, Nabila also became a part of popular culture. She made a memorable appearance in the 1983 James Bond film Never Say Never Again, in which she was portrayed as the “Flying Saucer” yacht of Bond villain Maximilian Largo. This cinematic cameo only added to the vessel’s allure, drawing attention from a wider audience.
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By the late 1980s, however, financial difficulties forced Khashoggi to part with her. Enter Donald Trump, then a high-profile New York real estate mogul with a taste for all things opulent. In 1988, Trump purchased the yacht for $28 million, reportedly negotiating a $1 million discount. Renaming her Trump Princess, he saw the yacht as both a symbol of his success and a floating testament to his bold style. Trump invested millions into refurbishing the yacht, even replacing the helipad logo with his signature “T.” His ownership, though, was short-lived; by 1991, faced with financial challenges of his own, he sold the yacht to Saudi Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal for $19 million. The prince renamed her Kingdom 5KR, the name she retains to this day.
Under Al-Waleed, the yacht continued her life as a high-profile vessel, often spotted in prestigious marinas like the Billionaires’ Quay in Antibes. Her journey from a controversial arms dealer to a real estate tycoon and then to one of Saudi Arabia’s wealthiest royals speaks to her unique role as a marker of both wealth and power across generations.
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The Iconic Kingdom 5KR Yacht’s Legacy Under Donald Trump
From her opulent design to her star-studded owners, the Kingdom 5KR has always been a symbol of luxury and status. Donald Trump’s brief ownership in the 1980s played a significant role in cementing her place in yachting history.
The October 2024 Accident That Brought Attention to the Kingdom 5KR
On October 11, 2024, the Kingdom 5KR made headlines again, though not for a glamorous reason. While docking in the port of Bizerte, Tunisia, she collided with the quay, causing significant damage both to her hull and the port infrastructure. Investigations are underway to determine the cause of the incident, but the accident has had the unexpected effect of reigniting interest in the yacht’s storied past. The Kingdom 5KR remains a living piece of maritime history, a vessel whose glamour, controversy, and legacy have transcended decades.
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