The longest-serving monarchs in history have a few things in common. They all ruled for many years, sometimes centuries. They also had a solid commitment to their people and country, many of whom were very popular.
But, perhaps most importantly, they all had ironclad control over their thrones and the people who ruled them. As a result, the longest-serving monarchs have set the standards that all other rulers must follow regarding longevity.
The Longest Serving Monarchs In History
10. Queen Victoria: 64 years, 216 days on the throne
Queen Victoria was the longest-serving monarch in history, ruling for 64 years and 216 days. She was a famous queen, and her reign was marked by many important events, including the expansion of the British Empire and the Industrial Revolution. Victoria was also a very influential queen; her legacy can still be seen today in many aspects of British society.
9. Ferdinand III: 65 years, 90 days on the throne
Ferdinand III was one of the longest-serving monarchs in history, ruling for 65 years and 90 days. He was born in Madrid, Spain, to King Philip IV and his queen consort, Elisabeth of France. Ferdinand succeeded his father to the throne in 1621 at just 17.
He would go on to rule for over six decades until his death in 1665 at the age of 82. During his long reign, Ferdinand III saw Spain through some of its most turbulent times.
The Thirty Years War ravaged much of Europe, and Spain was embroiled in several costly conflicts throughout Ferdinand’s rule. Despite these challenges, Ferdinand managed to keep Spain afloat and even increased its power and influence during his tenure. Ferdinand was a skilled diplomat and a savvy politician.
8. Chan Imix Kʼawiil: 67 years, 130 days on the throne
Chan Imix K’awiil is the 67-year-old ruler of the Maya people, having served for 130 days. He is one of the longest-serving monarchs in history, and his reign has been marked by peace and prosperity.
Under his rule, the Maya flourished, preserving their culture. Chan Imix K’awiil has been a great leader for the Maya people, and his reign has been a time of peace and prosperity.
He has ruled for over 130 days, making him one of the longest-serving monarchs in history. His rule has been marked by a commitment to preserving Maya culture and traditions. The Maya people have flourished under his leadership, and he has ensured that their culture is preserved for future generations.
7. Franz Joseph I: 67 years, 355 days on the throne
Franz Joseph, I was emperor of Austria for 67 years and 355 days, the fourth-longest serving monarch in history. He ascended to the throne in 1848 at the age of 18, after the abdication of his uncle,
Ferdinand I. Franz Joseph’s rule was marked by several significant events, including the Austro-Hungarian Empire’s defeat in the Seven Weeks’ War (1866) and the opening of the Suez Canal (1869).
Austria-Hungary’s participation in the First World War (1914-1918). Although Franz Joseph was a famous ruler, his reign was also marked by economic and political instability and tensions between Austria and Hungary.
6. Kʼinich Janaabʼ Pakal I: 68 years, 33 days on the throne
Pakal I, or K’inich Janaab’ Pakal, was the Mayan ruler of Palenque in modern-day Mexico. He ascended to the throne at the age of 12 and ruled for 68 years and 33 days, making him one of the longest-serving monarchs in history.
During his reign, Pakal oversaw the construction of some of Palenque’s most iconic buildings, including the Temple of Inscriptions, which houses his famous sarcophagus lid. He also expanded Palenque’s territory by conquering nearby city-states. Pakal was a skilled warrior and a cunning politician.
He was also a devout follower of the Maya religion and helped to revitalize traditional Maya practices during his reign. Pakal’s long reign was a period of great prosperity for Palenque and its people.
5. Muhammad Jiwa Zainal Adilin II: 68 years, 220 days on the throne
Muhammad Jiwa Zainal Adilin II became the Sultan of Johor upon his father’s death in 2010. He is the 25th Sultan of Johor and has been on the throne for 68 years and 220 days, making him one of the longest-serving monarchs in history. His Majesty is also one of the few remaining absolute rulers in Malaysia.
Sultan Muhammad Jiwa Zainal Adilin II is a much-beloved figure in Johor and is known for his philanthropy. He has donated millions of dollars to charity over the years and has set up many foundations to help those in need.
He is also a keen sportsman and has represented Johor in many tournaments. The Sultan is a great supporter of education and has worked hard to improve access to education for all Malaysians.
4. Johann ii: 70 years, 91 days on the throne
Johann II reigned for 70 years and 91 days, making him one of the longest-serving monarchs in history. Johann II was born in 1748 and became king in 1777. He ruled until his death in 1847. During his reign,
Johann II oversaw the construction of many roads and bridges and the establishment of several schools and hospitals. He was a popular king and was loved by his people. Johann II’s long reign is a testament to his dedication to his country and its people.
3. Bhumibol Adulyadej: 70 years, 126 days on the throne
Bhumibol Adulyadej was born on December 5, 1927. He began his reign on June 9, 1946, and would go on to become the longest-serving monarch in Thai history. On October 13, 2016, Bhumibol passed away at the age of 88 after spending 70 years, and 126 days on the throne.
Bhumibol was a much-loved and respected king who was deeply committed to his people and country. He worked tirelessly to improve the lives of those around him and will be remembered as a great leader. His long reign is a testament to his strength of character and commitment to duty.
2. Queen Elizabeth II: 70 years, 214 days on the throne
On September 9, 2015, Queen Elizabeth II became the longest-reigning monarch in British history, surpassing the 63 years, 7 months, and 2 days of her great-great-grandmother Victoria. Elizabeth was born on April 21, 1926, during a time of great change in the world. She was just a child when her uncle abdicated the throne, making her father King George VI. She became queen at age 25 upon her father’s death in 1952.
In the more than six decades since she took the throne, Elizabeth has seen Britain through some of its most momentous changes – including its withdrawal from empire, society’s increasing embrace of technology and entertainment, and increasing social and economic inequality.
Queen Elizabeth II was the queen of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth realms for more than 70 years, making her the longest-serving British monarch in history. She was also the world’s oldest reigning monarch at the time of her death. Queen Elizabeth II passed away on September 8, 2022, at the age of 96.
Elizabeth II ascended to the throne on February 6, 1952, following her father’s death, King George VI. She has seen 12 Prime Ministers come and go during her reign, including Winston Churchill, Margaret Thatcher and Theresa May. She has also witnessed massive changes in her country and worldwide, from the decolonization of Africa and Asia to the fall of communism in Eastern Europe.
1. Louis XIV: 72 years, 110 days on the throne
Louis XIV of France, also known as the Sun King, ruled for 72 years and 110 days, the longest reign of any monarch in European history. He was a contemporary of some of the most famous figures in Western history, including Isaac Newton, John Locke, and Voltaire. His lengthy reign was marked by numerous achievements, including the expansion of the French empire and the construction of the luxurious Palace of Versailles.
However, Louis XIV’s legacy is not without its controversies. His autocratic rule led to a number of revolts against his regime, while his policies also exacerbated tensions that would eventually lead to the outbreak of the French Revolution. Nonetheless, he remains one of the most significant figures in French history.
