Some jobs are meant to be short - term , irregular gig and some are meant to last a lifetime . Athelstan of the House of Wessex was the firstking of Englandand he had one of those job .
Athelstan ruled from 895 to 939 C.E. , and , because he kill the last of the Viking invader and was creditworthy for consolidate Britain , his legal action — and his life — still impact the British monarchy today . And to put his life story in perspective , Athelstan was the thirtieth great - grand uncle toQueen Elizabeth II , who also was one of the cosmos ’s longest - reigning monarchs of all time .
Read more about Queen Elizabeth below and learn the fascinating stories of 24 of the public ’s other longest - rule monarchs . The engagement of rule of each are note in parenthesis .
1. Sobhuza II, Swaziland (Eswatini) (1899-1982), 82 Years
When the king of Swaziland ( now Eswatini)diedat age 23 , his 4 - month - sometime son ascended to index and spent the remainder of his life , first as Paramount Chief and later King of Swaziland , navigatingthe ambiguities and conflicts of his country ’s place in the world . Swaziland at the time was part of the British Protectorate , and Sobhuza II ’s responsibility and pass as business leader were viewed through unlike lens by his people and by the British . The people of Swaziland saw him as one who could both maintain tradition and keep the British at bay laurel .
2. Louis XIV, France (1643-1715), 72 Years
Louis XIV , the boy of Louis XIII of France and Anne of Austria , was only four years old when he ascended to the throne in May 1643 . Although Louis XIV would finish his reign in 1715 , succeeded by his great - grandson Louis XV , his time on the pot was mean by outfitting Versailles into a luxurious castle , showing his unflagging accompaniment of the arts ( the Riley B King himself rail inballet , which was hefty political currency at the time ) and initiate several wars . He was an absolute monarch who bear on to himself as the Sun King , imitating the Hellenic god of the sun Apollo in artwork and life , believing himself to the be the star topology of France ’s universe .
3. Bhumibol Adulyadej, Thailand (1946-2016), 70 Years
A Danaus plexippus who lived in modern times , Bhumibol Adulyadejreigned for 70 years as the 9th king in Thailand ’s Chakkri dynasty until his end in 2016 at age 88 . He was born in the United States in 1927 as his founder was studying at Harvard University in Cambridge , Massachusetts . Adulyadej ’s rule earn him the note of being Thailand ’s longest - reign monarch . During his time at the helm , Bhumibol Adulyadej had little political power but become a symbolisation of unity and stability among Thai citizen for ushering the area through geezerhood of military coup d’etat .
4. Elizabeth II, England (1952-2022), 70 Years
In 1952 , Elizabeth was crowne Queen of Great Britain and Northern Ireland , and her enthronization necessitate place in 1953 . In 2007 , she became the longest - lived British milkweed butterfly , and on Sept. 9 , 2015 , surpassed her great - bang-up - grandmotherQueen Victoria , to become the longest - prevail British crowned head in story . During Queen Elizabeth ’s sovereignty , she worked with more than 15 British quality ministers and U.S. presidents , as well as many other humankind leaders , even though at birth she was never meant to take the throne . In 1936 , when her grandfather , King George V , cash in one’s chips , her uncle Edward VIII was slated for the monarchy . Edward , however , abdicate the commode to get hitched with American socialite Wallis Simpson . This meant that Elizabeth ’s father , George VI ( brother of Edward VIII ) , took the crapper , which passed to Elizabeth upon his death . Queen Elizabeth ’s boy , Charles , became world-beater when she died , Sept. 8 , 2022 .
5. Johan II, Liechtenstein (1858-1929), 70 years
As far as records go , Johan IItakes third for longest - reigning monarch in Europe ( Louis XIV is in the top pip and Queen Elizabeth II comes in second ) . Johan II , ruler of Liechtenstein , neither married nor had children during his reign , which was passed to hisbrotherFrancis I upon Johan II ’s death . He did , however , institute a serial of crucial reforms that resulted in the country ’s independence , the dissolving of its army and its announcement as a neutral state . He also set up a parliamentary authorities and the rural area ’s banking arrangement . He created museums and artistry galleries and supported the arts and sciences .
6. K’inich Janaab' Pakal, Mayan Civilization (615-683 C.E.), 68 Years
Also known as Pakal the Great , K’inich Janaab ' Pakal was the longest - reigning king of the ancient Mayan reality . He ascended to the throne at 12 year old during an uncertain and precarious time and is believed to have been assist by his mother , from whom his right to rule passed . During his rule of Palenque , an ancient Maya metropolis locate about 500 miles ( 800 kilometers ) SE of Mexico City in modernistic - Clarence Shepard Day Jr. Chiapas , he built the Temple of the Inscriptions — stunning architecture that would one day capsulise his sarcophagus .
7. Franz Joseph I, Austria-Hungary (1848-1916), 68 Years
Upon his 18th birthday , Franz Joseph Iwas named emperor moth of the Austrian Empire , a move that fueled hopes of a revival in good will toward the monarchy due , in no small part , to Franz Joseph ’s youthful show . In 1853 , an seek character assassination occurred when a seamster tried to stab the swayer in the neck opening as he was out for a promenade . Franz Joseph was , however , saved from taking the brunt of the flak by a fair sex nearby who cried out upon regard a artillery . No motif was ever uncover . Franz Joseph went on to rule as emperor of Austria , and in 1867 accept a three-fold mail service as king of Hungary , ruling until his death in 1916 . Notably , two years before his death in 1916 , Franz Joseph lead Austria - Hungary into World War I.
8. Constantine VIII, Byzantine Empire (960-1028 C.E.), 68 Years
About the time he was due to observe his first natal day in about 960,Constantine VIIIwas named co - ruler of the Byzantine Empire , along with his brother Basil . Although the Brother had little actual political tilt , they were able to make a power catch in 976 , when they wrest ascendency from the empire ’s acting drawing card . Constantine VIII is remembered as being more interested in luxurious and leisurely pursuits than his brother Basil , who used state of war to bankroll and expound the imperium . however , Constantine VIII remained cobalt - emperor of the Byzantine Empire until hisdeathin 1028 .
9. Victoria, England (1837-1901), 64 Years
One of the longest - reigning monarchs in British history , Queen Victoriaascended the throne in 1837 at eld 18 . During her reign , Queen Victoria hold up several character assassination attack to usher in the " prissy epoch , " so - bring up for the monarch . The prissy epoch was pit by sweepingadvancementsin science and applied science , including the variola major vaccine and the telegraph .
10. James I, Aragon (1213-1276), 63 Years
A kingdom called Aragon sound like a fantasy realm in which firedrake roam , but it was a existent - life place on the Iberian peninsula that now encompass present - 24-hour interval Portugal and Spain . In1212 , James I led the medieval kingdom ’s army , along with a neighboring army , as it invaded and shoot down regional kingdoms . In 1213 , James I began his 63 - year rule , which became the farseeing of any Iberian milkweed butterfly . During his reign , James I brought the Balearic Islands and Valencia under Iberian formula and start decades of enlargement .
11. Hirohito, Japan (1926-1989), 63 Years
Michinomiya Hirohito , Japan ’s 124th emperor , is known for being the longest - rule monarch in the country ’s history . Before take the throne , he traveled extensively throughout Europe , which was an strange move at the time . After his Father of the Church ’s death in 1926 , Hirohito adoptedShōwa — think " enlightened concordance " — as the chief tenet of his reign . During World War II , he allied the country with Nazi Germany , but latersurrenderedthe state after a frustration by the Allied powers . He then became the first Japanese monarch to visit the United States and wrote several books on marine biology before his death in 1989 .
12. Kangxi Emperor, China (1661-1722), 61 Years
At historic period 7,Kangxibecame the second emperor butterfly of the Chinese Qing Dynasty after his father died of smallpox . Kangxi ’s sovereignty set about in earnest during his teen years , and he is comfortably remember for the substantial expansion of the Chinese empire into areas of Mongolia , Tibet and Heilong Jiang . He also worked to give external trade ports , which help usher in an era of economic prosperity . Kangxi endorse theartsand conceive that education was important ; he was fascinated by map - making and European painting technique .
13. Christian IV, Denmark and Norway (1588-1648), 60 Years
Christian IVbecame King of Denmark and Norway at the bid age of 11 , but was not formally crowned until 1596 , when he was 19 . He is remembered for his multiple foray into unsuccessful war against Sweden , as well as the disastrous Thirty Years War . When he was n’t warring , Christian IV had an eye for computer architecture , constructing several new townsfolk and still - beloved buildings , includingFrederiksborg Castle . His private liveliness was productive ; he conjoin twice and had 20 children with five different women before his last in 1648 .
14. Friedrich Günther, Schwarzburg, Germany (1807-1867), 60 Years
In 1807 , when he was just 13 twelvemonth old , Friedrich Güntherbecame prince of Schwarzburg - Rudolstadt , which is now an area in modern - sidereal day Thuringa , Germany . His ascending to the throne followed the death of his Fatherhood , but it was his female parent who made the crown ’s decisions until the fresh - faced ruler call on 21 . Günther rule for the relief of his life and became be intimate as thefinal headof the House of Schwarzburg .
15. Qianlong, China (1735-1796), 60 Years
The grandson of farseeing - fourth dimension Chinese rulerKangxi , Qianlongalso reigned over China for decades . At old age 24 , in 1735 , Qianlong get a serial ofnotable actsthat include the creation of theSikuquanshuorSiku Quanshu , a vast catalogue of all the books known to be in existence in China . Some suspect this was a natural branch of Qianlong ’s personal sake in chirography and poetry , and his efforts as a patron of the fine art . Until his sovereignty ended upon his last in 1796 , Qianlong worked to successfully expand China ’s territorial dominion with the New Province , known as the Uygur Autonomous Region of Xinjiang today .
16. Honoré III, Monaco (1733-1793), 59 Years
There are monarchs who roll up their sleeves and Danaus plexippus who would rather observe from a distance . Honoré III , who come up the Monégasque throne at long time 13 , spent the majority of his clock time as rule fighting in the Royal French Army during the War of the Austrian Succession , although Monaco took an formally neutral stance . During his reign , he better Monaco ’s economic system through trade , which was largely dependent on the growth of citrus fruit , and establish the country ’s first printing press and newsprint .
17. George III, England (1760-1820), 59 Years
Before Queen Victoria and current British ruler Queen Elizabeth were on the royal scene , George IIIwas known as England ’s longest - rule monarch . He ascended the throne to Great Britain and Ireland in 1760 after his grandfather ’s last . He married Charlotte of Mecklenburg - Strelitz , the girl of a German duke , for the union ’s political strength . The marriage was a productive one , bring 15 nestling into palace lifetime . His sovereignty is notable for Britain ’s triumph in the Seven Years ' War , as well as Britain ’s resistance to Napoleon ’s France . George III is believed to have had an incisive genial malady , which stayed with him the last 10 year of his living .
18. Honoré I, Monaco (1523-1581), 58 Years
To be a long - dominate monarch , it ’s best to start early — andHonoré Idid it in spades . He was named the Lord of Monaco in 1523 , at just 9 months old , after his father Lucien Grimaldi wasassassinated . Honoré I was assisted , naturally , in the decision - making by a series of trustee and reportedly left the governing to one of these regent . During the last 20 years of his life , however , Honoré I took on more of the Clarence Day - to - day operations , and became known for both a serial publication of battles and for inviting Pope Paul III to Monaco .
19. Nicholas I, Montenegro (1860-1918), 58 Years
When Nicholas I became the Crown Prince of Montenegro in 1860 , it was a small country without leverage on the public degree . Under his prescript , however , Montenegrodoubled in geographical size and became not only a sovereign Department of State , but a body politic with considerable diplomatic superpower . After years of democratic sovereignty , Nicholas I became increasingly despotic , but reluctantly install a fundamental law in 1905 that limited his power . After an unsuccessful entrée into World War I , Nicholas I go into exile in Italy until hisdeathin 1918 .
20. Pedro II, Brazil (1831-1889), 58 Years
Pedro IIbecame the 2d emperor of Brazil when he took up the throne in 1831 at 5 age old and , by eld 10 , had been formally hold as swayer . He was seen as a benevolent rule and became practiced at leverage Brazil ’s natural resourcefulness to bolster its then - struggling economy . Pedro II turn the country ’s focus from sugar production to coffee beans and made significant procession inconstructinga web of railway line , telegraphy and cable ancestry . By the time of his expiry in 1889 , his popularity had waned because of his anti - slavery actions and support of the Masons , the latter of which trouble the Roman Catholic Church .
21. Wilhelmina I, Netherlands (1890-1948), 58 Years
As Queen of the Netherlands , Wilhelmina made clear her opposition to the German Occupation at the beginning of World War II . Although she fly , along with member of her cabinet , to London , she became the symbolisation of Dutch resistance through a BBC radio program that gain the Netherlands , fuck asRadio Orange . She famously aired the phrase , " Knock the Kraut on the chief , " which raised morale for her masses . In 1948 , she abdicated the toilet and lived a secret life until her demise in 1962 .
22. Ludovico I, Italy (1416-1475), 58 Years
Not much is known aboutLudovico I , who was the marquess of Saluzzo , Italy , until his death in 1476 , a reign that cover much of the 15th century . Ludovico I is remembered for facilitating a prosperous era for Saluzzo residents and forge positive relationships with neighboring areas — all of this well before theItalian Warstook detainment . The historical metropolis center of Saluzzo , situated on a mound with views of cultivated plains and nearby mountains , has become a popular holidaymaker goal for its cobblestone street , historical church service and medieval castle .
23. Louis XV, France (1715-1774), 58 Years
Louis XV , born in 1710 , was never expected to become male monarch of France . By the time he reached his 5th natal day , however , his grandfather , father and two elderly sidekick had cash in one’s chips , lay down him the heir plain . By age 10 , he was attending storage locker meetings , but his stake in being a rule Danaus plexippus flagged over clip as he focused on flora and a series ofmistresses . Although known for a time as " Louis the Beloved , " his entrée into several expensive wars and the French Revolution caused his popularity to go down .
24. James VI, Scotland (1567-1625), 57 Years
As the only son of Mary Queen of Scots , James VIascended the Scottish toilet in 1567 after his female parent ’s squeeze stepping down . While a instrument panel of regent rule until he reached his adolescent , James VI think in royal absolutism , which is a monarchy without constitutional limits and one in which a royal believes themself to be a divine rule on Earth . In 1603 , he also became James I of England after the death ofQueen Elizabeth Iand this dichotomy became known as " the union of the crowns " as he reach to contribute the two countries under one rule .
25. Athelstan, England (895-939 C.E.), 44 Years
Athelstanwas the first mogul of England ( not to be jumble with the monastic Athelstan on theHistory Channel ’s " Vikings " — a character who is a fictional amalgamation of his clock time ) . The real - life Athelstan , who died in Gloucester , England , in 939 at age 47 , was a warrior who beat up back overrun Danes and Scots to expand and then create the kingdom now called England . Throughout Athelstan ’s sovereignty he founded church across the realm , brought about legal and societal reform and create a cosmopolitan court comprised of intellectuals from throughout Europe . He also used strategical kin marriages to forge unattackable contacts with mainland Europe and , after send military aid to Norway , was know as " Athelstan the Good . "
