Which monarch holds the absolute record? The top 10 longest reigns in history

1. Sobhuza II, prince then king of Swaziland from 1899 to 1982, i.e. 82 years and 254 days.
2. Louis XIV, king of France from 1643 to 1715, i.e. 72 years and 110 days.
3. Elizabeth II, Queen of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth from 1952 to 2022, i.e. 70 years and 214 days.
4. Rama IX Bhumibol Adulyadej, king of Thailand from 1946 to 2016, i.e. 70 years and 126 days.
5. John II, Prince of Liechtenstein from 1858 to 1929, i.e. 70 years and 91 days.
6. Franz Joseph I, Emperor of Austria and King of Hungary from 1848 to 1916, i.e. 67 years and 355 days.
7. Muhammad Jiwa Zainal Adilin II, Sultan of Kedah (Malaysia) from 1710 to 1778, i.e. 67 years and 326 days.
8. Ferdinand I, king of Naples then of the Two Sicilies from 1759 to 1825, i.e. 65 years and 90 days.
9. Victoria, Queen of the United Kingdom from 1837 to 1901, 63 years and 216 days.
10. James I, king of Aragon from 1213 to 1276, i.e. 62 years and 319 days.

Although this ranking is based on verifiable data, it is interesting to note that some sovereigns could claim an even longer reign. For example, if we only took into account historical testimonies, Pharaoh Pepi II would have reigned over Egypt for 94 years in the 23rd century BC. BC, according to Manetho of Sebennytos.

Champions of the 20th century

Taking into account dethroned sovereigns, the list could be enriched by figures like Michael I of Romania. Although he actually reigned for just over 10 years, he remained de jure king until his death, which would bring his total reign to 78 years and 99 days. Other monarchs, such as Simeon II of Bulgaria or Fuad II of Egypt, continued to add years to their nominal reigns, while having had little effective power.

Finally, some members of Gotha have also reached remarkable ages. In this regard, the Windsors win the silver medal and the gold medal! With Alice Montagu-Douglas-Scott, Duchess of Gloucester. December 25, 1901 – October 29, 2004, i.e. 102 years, 10 months and 4 days. And of course, the eternal “Queen Mum”, Elisabeth Bowes-Lyon, Duchess of York, Queen and then Queen Mother of the United Kingdom. August 4, 1900 – March 30, 2002, i.e. 101 years, 7 months and 26 days.