29 of the world's longest-reigning monarchs (2024)

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.