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Queen Elizabeth II (1952 — Present)

Total Reign: 66 Years & Counting

Queen Elizabeth II became the Queen of the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland in 1952 (and was officially crowned in 1953). With 66 years (and counting) of serving as Queen, she's the longest-reigning monarch in British history. At 92 years old, QEII continues to carry out royal engagements and travels as part of her royal duties.

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Bhumibol Adulyadej (1950 — 2016)

Total Reign: 66 years

Thailand's longest-serving monarch was greatly loved by his people until his death in 2016. Amongst his many achievements as a royal, he most notably helped navigate his country through chaos.

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Louis XIV (1638 — 1718)

Total Reign: 72 Years

France’s Louis XIV, also known as Louis the Great or the Sun King, began his reign at the age of four. From his 72 years on the throne—the most of any known European sovereign—he is remembered for building Versailles and his contributions to art and literature.

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Johann II (1858 — 1929)

Total Reign: 70 Years

With the second-longest European reign after Louis XIV, Prince Johann II of Liechtenstein was responsible for issuing Liechtenstein's first constitution and was a patron of the arts.

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James VI (1567 — 1625)

Total Reign: 57 Years

James VI, King of Scotland, the only son of Mary Queen of Scots, was a strong advocate of royal absolutism. He was responsible for setting the stage for the rebellion against his successor, Charles I.

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Franz Joseph I (1848 — 1916)

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K'inich Janaab' Pakal (615 — 683)

Total Reign: 68 Years

Mayan King of Palenque (the modern-day State of Chipas, Mexico) began his reign at the age of 12 and reigned for 68 years—the longest reigning Maya King. K'inich Janaab' Pakal is most known for building the Temple of the Inscriptions.

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Constantine VIII (962 — 1028)

Total Reign: 66 Years

Constantine VIII was the Emperor of the Byzantine Empire. He worked alongside his brother Basil II for most of his reign, and a few years solo after Basil's death. He died without a male heir to the throne, so he left the throne to his daughter Zoë as empress consort.

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Basil II (976 — 1025)

Total Reign: 49 Years

Basil II was a Byzantine emperor (co-ruling with his brother Constantine VIII) who extended rule in the Balkans, Mesopotamia, Georgia, and Armenia. Basil had planned to reconquer Sicily and expand Byzantine authority in Italy, but died of illness in 1025.

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Queen Victoria (1837 — 1901)

Total Reign: 64 Years

Queen Victoria of United Kingdom is the namesake of the "Victorian era," which was characterized by advancements in science and technology. She had nine children with her husband Prince Albert, who continue the line of heirs today.

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James I (1213 — 1276)

Total Reign: 63 Years

James I of Aragon was the the longest of any Iberian monarch, and added the Balearic Islands and Valencia to his realm during his reign.

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Hirohito (1926 — 1989)

Total Reign: 63 Years

Hirohito was the longest-reigning monarch in Japan's history. His reign was designated Shōwa, which means “Bright Peace." He's perhaps most known for his large role in World War II, allying with Nazi Germany.

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Kangxi Emperor (1661–1722)

Total Reign: 61 Years

Kangxi was the second emperor of the Chinese Qing Dynasty, beginning at age seven. He is remembered for expanding the Chinese empire over parts of Mongolia, Tibet, and Heilong Jiang, and for opening foreign trade.

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Qianlong Emperor (1735 — 1796)

Total Reign: 60 Years

Qianlong was the fourth emperor of the Qing dynasty. Qianlong eliminated the Turk and Mongol threats to China and grew his empire by creating the New Province, which is know as the Uygur Autonomous Region of Xinjiang today.

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Friedrich Günther (1807 — 1867)

Total Reign: 60 Years

Friedrich Günther, Prince of Schwarzburg, was the final head of the House of Schwarzburg.

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Christian IV (1588 — 1648)

Total Reign: 60 Years

Christian IV, King of Denmark and Norway, led two unsuccessful wars against Sweden and eventually led his country into the Thirty Years' War.

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George III (1760 — 1820)

Total Reign: 59 Years

George III was England’s longest-ruling monarch before Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth II. He was resposible for the victory in the Seven Years’ War.

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Honoré III (1733 — 1793)

Total Reign: 59 Years

Honoré came to the throne at the young age of 14. Most of his reign was spent fighting in the Royal French Army in the War of the Austrian Succession.

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Louis XV (1715 — 1774)

Total Reign: 58 Years

Louis XV became the King of France at the age of five. He was called "Louis the Well-Beloved" in the beginning of his reign, but soon became known for his stubborn personality and overspending.

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Pedro II (1831 — 1889)

Total Reign: 58 Years

Pedro II was only the second Emperor of Brazil and ended up being the final. He took his father's place at age five and was officially declared in 1840. He helped to encourage coffee production, which brought much stability to Brazil's troubled economy.

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