These Are The World's Longest-Reigning Royals
They've held the throne longer than anyone else
Holding the throne is a huge honor no matter what, but these monarchs held their titles longer than anyone else in history. From historic royals in France, The Netherlands, and Japan to England's currently reigning Queen Elizabeth II, here are 24 royals who held their spot of power for the longest.
This article originally appeared on Harper's Bazaar US.
Total Reign: 66 Years & Counting
Queen Elizabeth II became the Queen of the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland in 1952 (and was officially crowned in 1953). With 66 years (and counting) of serving as Queen, she's the longest-reigning monarch in British history. At 92 years old, QEII continues to carry out royal engagements and travels as part of her royal duties.
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Total Reign: 66 years
Thailand's longest-serving monarch was greatly loved by his people until his death in 2016. Amongst his many achievements as a royal, he most notably helped navigate his country through chaos.
Total Reign: 72 Years
France’s Louis XIV, also known as Louis the Great or the Sun King, began his reign at the age of four. From his 72 years on the throne—the most of any known European sovereign—he is remembered for building Versailles and his contributions to art and literature.
Total Reign: 70 Years
With the second-longest European reign after Louis XIV, Prince Johann II of Liechtenstein was responsible for issuing Liechtenstein's first constitution and was a patron of the arts.
Total Reign: 57 Years
James VI, King of Scotland, the only son of Mary Queen of Scots, was a strong advocate of royal absolutism. He was responsible for setting the stage for the rebellion against his successor, Charles I.
Total Reign: 67 Years
Franz Joseph I held many positions of power including the Emperor of Austria, the King of Hungary, and President of the German Confederation. Additionally, he played a major role in establishing the Austria-Hungary empire.
Total Reign: 68 Years
Mayan King of Palenque (the modern-day State of Chipas, Mexico) began his reign at the age of 12 and reigned for 68 years—the longest reigning Maya King. K'inich Janaab' Pakal is most known for building the Temple of the Inscriptions.
Total Reign: 66 Years
Constantine VIII was the Emperor of the Byzantine Empire. He worked alongside his brother Basil II for most of his reign, and a few years solo after Basil's death. He died without a male heir to the throne, so he left the throne to his daughter Zoë as empress consort.
Total Reign: 49 Years
Basil II was a Byzantine emperor (co-ruling with his brother Constantine VIII) who extended rule in the Balkans, Mesopotamia, Georgia, and Armenia. Basil had planned to reconquer Sicily and expand Byzantine authority in Italy, but died of illness in 1025.
Total Reign: 64 Years
Queen Victoria of United Kingdom is the namesake of the "Victorian era," which was characterized by advancements in science and technology. She had nine children with her husband Prince Albert, who continue the line of heirs today.
Total Reign: 63 Years
James I of Aragon was the the longest of any Iberian monarch, and added the Balearic Islands and Valencia to his realm during his reign.
Total Reign: 63 Years
Hirohito was the longest-reigning monarch in Japan's history. His reign was designated Shōwa, which means “Bright Peace." He's perhaps most known for his large role in World War II, allying with Nazi Germany.
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Total Reign: 61 Years
Kangxi was the second emperor of the Chinese Qing Dynasty, beginning at age seven. He is remembered for expanding the Chinese empire over parts of Mongolia, Tibet, and Heilong Jiang, and for opening foreign trade.
Total Reign: 60 Years
Qianlong was the fourth emperor of the Qing dynasty. Qianlong eliminated the Turk and Mongol threats to China and grew his empire by creating the New Province, which is know as the Uygur Autonomous Region of Xinjiang today.
Total Reign: 60 Years
Friedrich Günther, Prince of Schwarzburg, was the final head of the House of Schwarzburg.
Total Reign: 60 Years
Christian IV, King of Denmark and Norway, led two unsuccessful wars against Sweden and eventually led his country into the Thirty Years' War.
Total Reign: 59 Years
George III was England’s longest-ruling monarch before Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth II. He was resposible for the victory in the Seven Years’ War.
Total Reign: 59 Years
Honoré came to the throne at the young age of 14. Most of his reign was spent fighting in the Royal French Army in the War of the Austrian Succession.
Total Reign: 58 Years
Louis XV became the King of France at the age of five. He was called "Louis the Well-Beloved" in the beginning of his reign, but soon became knownfor his stubborn personality and overspending.
Total Reign: 58 Years
Pedro II was only the second Emperor of Brazil and ended up being the final. He took his father's place at age five and was officially declared in 1840. He helped to encourage coffee production, which brought much stability to Brazil's troubled economy.
Total Reign: 58 Years
Ludovico I was Marquess of Saluzzo, Italy for much of the 15th century, during a period of "great splendor" and positive relationships with neighbors.
Total Reign: 58 Years
During his reign, the Crown Prince of Montenegro transformed his small principality into a sovereign European nation.
Total Reign: 58 Years
The Lord of Monaco gained his title at only 9 months old after his father, Lucien, was assassinated. During his reign, extensive renovations were made to the Palace of Monaco.
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Total Reign: 58 Years
Wilhelmina, Queen of the Netherlands, was the symbol of Dutch resistance to German occupation. She is most famous for her Radio Orange broadcast during WWII.