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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
10 months 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!!!🥰💝🌼🌺🌻👑

#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

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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#19

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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#20

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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#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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