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.
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 29 longest-reigning monarchs
Here are the 29 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. The Queen was the second longest-reigning monarch.
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 circumstances, 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
The Coronation Gin - In Collaboration With Historic Royal Palaces
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 cocktail.
Raise your cuppa to our new King with Emma Bridgewater's commemorative mug. Perfect for fans to snap up in time for the Coronation.
3 Cheers for King Charles III Tin Tea Caddy
Keep your teabags safe and secure in this colourful caddy. Featuring King Charles' official cypher and rows of miniature crowns, it's available to purchase for just £10.
Coronation Party Embroidered Cushion in Luxury Wool Felt
This fabulous appliquéd and hand-embroidered cushion celebrates the Coronation in style. A beautiful keepsake to treasure for years to come.
This commemorative mug features the words 'King Charles Coronation' and includes an illustration of a crown surrounded by Union Jack flags. It's perfect to add to your Coronation memorabilia collection.
Featuring King Charles' official cypher, this handprinted mug from Etsy is a wonderful keepsake for the coronation of the King.
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.
Raise your morning coffee to our new King with Emma Bridgewater's appropriate 1/2 pint mug.
Coronation Delphinium Crown Commemorative Tea Towel in Blue
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.
Don't start your Coronation party without these Union Jack bunting napkins from Emma Bridgewater.
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.
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.
This commemorative tea towel features an official portrait of the King alongside the words 'King Charles III, 8th September 2022'.
Hang this King Charles Coronation flag at your street party to celebrate our new monarch.
Black Toast King & Queen Set Of 2 1/2 Pint Mugs
Give your kitchen cupboards the royal treatment with this set of two King and Queen mug from Emma Bridgewater. Each set comes presented in a box.
Lisa Joyner is the Deputy Daily Editor at House Beautiful UK and Country Living UK, where she's busy writing about home and interiors, gardening, dog breeds, pets, health and wellbeing, countryside news, small space inspiration, and the hottest properties on the market. Previously, she has written for Conde Nast Traveller, House & Garden and Marie Claire magazine. Lisa studied at University For The Creative Arts, where she completed a BA in Fashion Journalism.
