Who are the longest-reigning monarchs? We take a look at the world's longest-reigning kings and queens throughout history, including the late Queen Elizabeth II.
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- Who is the longest-reigning monarch?
- Is Queen Elizabeth II the longest-reigning monarch?
- Has any other monarch reigned for 70 years?
- The 28 longest-reigning monarchs
Who is the longest-reigning monarch?
French King Louis XIV is the longest-reigning monarch, having served as monarch for more than 72 years after taking the throne at age four.
Is Queen Elizabeth II the longest-reigning monarch?
Queen Elizabeth II was not the longest-reigning monarch in the world (Her Majesty took the second spot), but she impressively was the longest-reigning monarch in the UK. On September 9th 2015, the late Queen Elizabeth II became the longest-lived British monarch, having previously surpassed her great-great-grandmother Queen Victoria, in 2007.
Has any other monarch reigned for 70 years?
Johann II became Prince of Liechtenstein in November 1858, remaining all the way until his death in 1929. He reigned for a total of 70 years and 91 days. Meanwhile, Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX) of Thailand reigned without interruption for over 70 years after acceding to the throne following the death of his brother, King Ananda Mahidol.
The 28 longest-reigning monarchs
Here are the 25 longest-reigning monarchs of states that were internationally recognised as sovereign for most or all of their reign. Take a look at the full list below:
1. Louis XIV, France (72 years, 110 days)
According to History.co.uk, Louis XIV took his duty as King very seriously and was elevated to the mythical status of the 'Sun King'. Louis was the son of Louis XIII and his Spanish queen, Anne of Austria. He succeeded his father on May 14, 1643.
2. Elizabeth II, United Kingdom (70 years, 214 days)
Queen Elizabeth II took the crown after her father, George VI, suddenly died in 1952. Taking the second spot, she reigned for 70 years and 214 days.
3. Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX), Thailand (70 years, 126 days)
Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand is reported to have been one of the world's richest royals. He ascended to the throne in June 1946 under mysterious circ*mstances, when his older brother, King Ananda Mahidol, was found dead from a gunshot wound in his bed.
4. Johann II, Liechtenstein (70 years, 91 days)
Johann II became Prince of Liechtenstein in 1852, reigning until his death in 1929. He was a very private man, and never married or had any children. According to History.co.uk, he loved the arts and was known as a generous and thoughtful patron of cultural projects.
5. K'inich Janaab' Pakal, Palenque (68 years, 33 days)
6. Franz Joseph, Austria (67 years, 355 days)
7. Chan Imix K'awaiil (67 years, 130 days)
8. Ferdinand III, Sicily (65 years, 90 days)
9. Victoria, United Kingdom (63 years, 216 days)
10. James I, Aragon (62 years, 319 days)
11. Hirohito (Emperor Shōwa), Japan (62 years, 13 days)
12. Kangxi Emperor, China (61 years, 318 days)
13. Honoré III, Monaco (61 years, 15 days)
14. Itzamnaaj Bahlam III, Mexico (60 years, 238 days)
15. K'ak' Tiliw Chan Yopaat, Guatemala (60 years, 210 days)
16. Qianlong Emperor, China (60 years, 114 days)
17. Christian IV, Denmark-Norway (59 years, 330 days)
18. George III, United Kingdom (59 years, 96 days)
19. Louis XV, France (58 years, 222 days)
20. Pedro II, Brazil (58 years, 222 days)
21. Al-Mustansir Billah, Egypt (58 years, 199 days)
22. Nicholas I, Montenegro (58 years, 105 days)
23. Wilhelmina, Netherlands (57 years, 286 days)
24. James VI, Scotland (57 years, 246 days)
25. Afonso I, Portugal (57 years)
26. Hassanal Bolkiah, Brunei (56 years, 124 days
27. Conrd I, Burgundy (56 years, 99 days)
28. Alfonso VIII, Castile (56 years)
29. Henry III, England (56 years)
For the full list of longest-reigning monarchs, head over to en.wikipedia.org.
King Charles III souvenirs: The best memorabilia to mark the Coronation
King Charles III Coronation Souvenirs
The Coronation Gin - In Collaboration With Historic Royal Palaces
£35 at countrylivingshop.co.uk
The Coronation Gin is the latest creation from Gin In A Tin, made in collaboration with Historic Royal Palaces. We love the beautiful design, which features a magnificent gold foiled crown, adorned with the iconic symbols of the four nations of the United Kingdom: a classic English rose, a traditional Scottish thistle, a springtime Welsh daffodil and the delicate Irish shamrock.
Upon sipping, you will notice distinctive notes of coriander, cardamom, lemon peel and botanicals centred around juniper berries. This tipple makes for the ultimate royal celebration drink, particularly when making a classic gin co*cktail.
King Charles III Coronation Souvenirs
Coronation Party Embroidered Cushion in Luxury Wool Felt
£149 at countrylivingshop.co.uk
This fabulous appliquéd and hand-embroidered cushion celebrates the Coronation in style. A beautiful keepsake to treasure for years to come.
King Charles III Coronation Souvenirs
Crown Earrings - in 9ct gold
£144 at countrylivingshop.co.uk
These stylish crown studs are an original design by jewellery artist Francesca Stella, hand-crafted in her studio in Cornwall using your choice of ethical gold.
The design is available exclusively on the Country Living Marketplace and can have the Coronation commemorative hallmark applied to them upon request before purchase.
King Charles III Coronation Souvenirs
Coronation Delphinium Crown Commemorative Tea Towel in Blue
£15 at countrylivingshop.co.uk
Printed and made in Great Britain, this Coronation commemorative tea towel celebrates King Charles III's favourite flower, the Delphinium, and his love of nature. It's made from 100% sustainably farmed cotton and is printed using reactive inks that are free from harmful chemicals.
Protect your coffee table from spills and stains with this King Charles III coaster. Made from beech, it features the King's official cypher.
We love this commemorative mug which features an official portrait of King Charles III. It's the perfect souvenir to get your hands on ahead of the Coronation.
King Charles III Coronation Souvenirs
Dunoon His Majesty the King Charles III Accession Wessex Shape Mug
Enjoy your morning brew in this King Charles III Coronation mug. Embellished with 22 carat gold, it features the silhouette of the King on the front and back, and is decorated with vine motifs and a beautiful deep blue colour.
Hang this King Charles Coronation flag at your street party to celebrate our new monarch.