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Have you ever found yourself binge-watching The Crown, getting lost in the world of palace intrigue, and then wondered how long some of these kings and queens managed to stay on their thrones? Or perhaps you marveled at the reign of Queen Elizabeth II, who, spoiler alert, is one of the longest-reigning monarchs on our list? You're definitely not the only one, and with King Charles III's coronation and his mother's legacy on his shoulders, we couldn't help but dig up some history. Queen Elizabeth II is not the only one who reigned for what seemed like forever. In fact, other royals could give Lizzy a run for her money when it comes to royal longevity.

Before you start thinking this is a dry, academic post about monarchy history, let us assure you it's anything but. We've compiled this list with the same Bored Panda touch you know and love, so there will be no bombarding you with encyclopedic knowledge that reminds you of your school years; instead, we'll keep it simple, focusing on monarchs of sovereign states (internationally recognized for most or all of their rule), the length of the reign, and the country they ruled for. And if one of the longest-serving royals from our list grabs your attention and you decide to delve more into their story, no one here will try to stop your curious mind.

The game of thrones can be a ruthless one, and while some monarchs met with swift, untimely ends, others managed to hold onto their crowns for decades. In fact, some of these legendary leaders ruled for so long that they've become synonymous with the eras they governed. Can you imagine leading your country for 50, 60, or even 70 years? From Louis XIV's unparalleled reign to lesser-known royals whose stories are just waiting to be discovered, we'll take a closer look at which monarchs most likely survived wars, political upheavals, and even the occasional scandal. Ready to meet these kings and queens who laughed in the face of time and reigned supreme?

#1

Elizabeth II — 70 Years, 214 Days

Queen Elizabeth II posing for a picture

Reign: February 6, 1952 – September 8, 2022
Country: United Kingdom, other Commonwealth realms

Julian Calder , royal.uk Report

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Pamela Traves
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When Queen Elizabeth last September My Heart Broke. I learned about Her, my Grandmother told Me All about Her when I was a Child 74 years ago. I have read everything about the Queen and Her Family. I still miss Queen Elizabeth, but I enjoyed every minute of Her Life!!!🥰💝🌼🌺🌻👑

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    #2

    Louis XIV — 72 Years, 110 Days

    Louis XIV luxuriously dressed with a sword

    Reign: May 14, 1643 – September 1, 1715
    Country: France, Andorra

    Jebulon , bbc.co.uk Report

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    #3

    Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX) — 70 Years, 126 Days

    Bhumibol Adulyadej with golden jacket

    Reign: June 9, 1946 – October 13, 2016
    Country: Thailand

    Abhisit Vejjajiva , worldhop.com Report

    #4

    Johann II — 70 Years, 91 Days

    Bronze statue of Johann II

    Reign: November 12, 1858 – February 11, 1929
    Country: Liechtenstein

    Pakeha , fuerstenhaus.li Report

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    #5

    Kʼinich Janaabʼ Pakal I — 68 Years, 33 Days

    White statue of Kʼinich Janaabʼ Pakal I

    Reign: July 26, 615 – August 28, 683
    Country: Palenque (Mexico)

    Jami Dwyer , Lars Kirkhusmo Pharo Report

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    #6

    Queen Victoria — 63 Years, 216 Days

    Picture of Queen Victoria

    Reign: June 20, 1837 – January 22, 1901
    Country: United Kingdom, Ireland

    Alexander Bassano , royal.uk Report

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    #7

    Franz Joseph I — 67 Years, 355 Days

    Picture of Franz Joseph I with big mustaches

    Reign: December 2, 1848 – November 21, 1916
    Country: Austria-Hungary

    Bain News Service , britannica.com Report

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    #8

    Chan Imix Kʼawiil — 67 Years, 130 Days

    Stone statue of Chan Imix Kʼawiil

    Reign: February 5, 628 – June 15, 695
    Country: Copán (Honduras)

    Dennis Jarvis , Elizabeth A. Newsome Report

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    #9

    James I — 62 Years, 319 Days

    Stone statue of James I on a horse

    Reign: September 12, 1213 – July 27, 1276
    Country: Aragon

    Tsumugii , britannica.com Report

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    #10

    Hirohito (Emperor Shōwa) — 62 Years, 13 Days

    Picture of Hirohito (Emperor Shōwa)

    Reign: December 25, 1926 – January 7, 1989
    Country: Japan

    Public Domain , bbc.co.uk Report

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    #11

    Kangxi Emperor — 61 Years, 318 Days

    Colorful painting of Kangxi Emperor

    Reign: February 5, 1661 – December 20, 1722
    Country: China (Qing Dynasty)

    Public Domain , britannica.com Report

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    #12

    Honoré III — 61 Years, 15 Days

    Picture of Honoré III dressed luxuriously

    Reign: December 29, 1731 – January 13, 1793
    Country: Monaco

    Jean-Baptiste van Loo , Stéphane Caporal Report

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    #13

    Itzamnaaj Bahlam III — 60 Years, 238 Days

    Stone statue of Itzamnaaj Bahlam III

    Reign: October 20, 681 – June 15, 742
    Country: Yaxchilan (Mexico)

    Michel wal , Simon Martin, Nikolai Grube Report

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    #14

    K'ak' Tiliw Chan Yopaat — 60 Years, 210 Days

    Stone statue of K'ak' Tiliw Chan Yopaat

    Reign: December 29, 724 – July 27, 785 
    Country: Quiriguá (Guatemala)

    Ethan Doyle White , James L. Fitzsimmons Report

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    #15

    Qianlong Emperor — 60 Years, 114 Days

    Colorful picture of Qianlong Emperor

    Reign: October 18, 1735 – February 9, 1796
    Country: China (Qing Dynasty)

    Giuseppe Castiglione , britannica.com Report

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    #16

    Christian IV — 59 Years, 330 Days

    Colorful picture of Christian IV

    Reign: April 4, 1588 – February 28, 1648
    Country: Denmark-Norway

    Pieter Isaacsz , britannica.com Report

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    #17

    George III — 59 Years, 96 Days

    Colorful picture of George III in a luxuriously outfit

    Reign: October 25, 1760 – January 29, 1820
    Country: Great Britain, Ireland

    Allan Ramsay , royal.uk Report

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    #18

    Queen Wilhelmina — 57 Years, 286 Days

    Picture of Queen Wilhelmina with a crown

    Reign: November 23, 1890 – September 4, 1948
    Country: The Netherlands

    Jacob Merkelbach , britannica.com Report

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    #19

    Louis XV — 58 Years, 251 Days

    Colorful picture of Louis XV in a luxuriously outfit

    Reign: September 1, 1715 – May 10, 1774
    Country: France, Andorra

    Louis-Michel van Loo , britannica.com Report

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    #20

    Pedro II — 58 Years, 222 Days

    Colorful picture of Pedro II in a luxuriously outfit

    Reign: April 7, 1831 – November 15, 1889
    Country: Brazil

    Johann Moritz Rugendas , britannica.com Report

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    #21

    Nicholas I — 58 Years, 105 Days

    Picture of Nicholas I with multiple medals

    Reign: August 13, 1860 – November 26, 1918
    Country: Montenegro

    Public Domain , britannica.com Report

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    #22

    James VI — 57 Years, 246 Days

    Colorful picture of James VI in a luxuriously outfit

    Reign: July 24, 1567 – March 27, 1625
    Country: Scotland

    John de Critz , britannica.com/ Report

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