Age Is Just A Number

Imagine being crowned king or queen while still figuring out how to ride a bike or stepping into the royal shoes well past retirement age. History is full of monarchs who proved that ruling a kingdom doesn't depend on age. So, first, let's take a look at the ten youngest monarchs who ruled before they were even old enough to drive.

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1. King Alfonso XIII Of Spain

Alfonso XIII holds the rare title of being born a king. His father, Alfonso XII, died before he was born, making him the monarch of Spain the moment he entered the world. Since governing as a newborn wasn’t an option, his mother, Queen Maria Christina, ruled as regent until he took over at 16.

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2. Emperor Antoku Of Japan

At just two years old, Antoku was thrust onto Japan’s Chrysanthemum Throne amid one of the nation’s most tumultuous periods. At the age of six, his fate was sealed when his grandmother drowned him to prevent his capture by enemy forces—one of history’s most haunting royal tragedies.

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3. Mary, Queen Of Scots

Talk about an early promotion—Mary Stuart became Scotland’s queen before she even knew how to cry for her mother. Her father, King James V, died just six days after her birth, leaving her the infant ruler of a divided kingdom. Political upheaval forced her into exile in France, where she married the Dauphin.

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4. King Sobhuza II Of Swaziland

One of the longest-reigning monarchs in history, Sobhuza II took the throne as an infant. His grandmother ruled as regent until he was old enough to take over. Under his rule, Swaziland gained independence from Britain, and he remained king for an astounding 82 years until he passed away in 1982.

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5. King Henry VI Of England

Crowned at the age of just 9 months in 1429, Henry VI inherited the English throne and owned it. His reign, though long, was marked by instability and challenges, including his mental health struggles and the Wars of the Roses, which defined much of his rule.

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6. King Oyo Of Toro

At a mere 3 years old, King Oyo became the ruler of the Kingdom of Toro in Uganda in 1995. His ascension came after the death of his father, King Rukidi IV. Despite his age, Oyo’s rule has been marked by modernizing efforts, including promoting cultural preservation and education.

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7. Emperor Puyi Of China

In 1908, a 2-year-old boy was suddenly thrust into power as the last Emperor of China when Puyi succeeded his uncle, Emperor Guangxu. Puyi's reign lasted a few years before the monarchy collapsed. He transitioned from an absolute monarch to a man caught in the upheavals of 20th-century China.

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8. King James II Of Scotland

King James II of Scotland, who reigned from 1437 to 1460, was a monarch known for his strong leadership and military ambition. Rising to the throne at just six years old after his father’s assassination, he faced a turbulent regency before asserting control.

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9. King Tutankhamun Of Egypt

One of the most famous ancient monarchs, King Tut, became Pharaoh of Egypt in 1332 BC at the age of 9. His reign, although short, was marked by efforts to restore traditional Egyptian beliefs and religious practices, which had been disrupted by his father, Akhenaten.

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10. King Ivan VI Of Russia

Ivan VI's rule is one of the saddest tales of the monarchy. Ascending the throne as an infant, his reign lasted only a year before he was overthrown by Empress Elizabeth of Russia. He spent his entire life in solitary confinement, locked away from the world until he was executed at 23.

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Now, let's look at the ten oldest monarchs who showed us that age is just a number when it comes to ruling a kingdom. 

1. Queen Elizabeth II Of The United Kingdom

Queen Elizabeth II beautifully holds the title for the longest-reigning monarch in British history, as she ruled for 70 years. Her reign saw significant changes in global politics and society. Even in her late 90s, she remained active, leaving behind a legacy that still influences the monarchy today.

Photograph taken by Julian Calder for Governor-General of New Zealand on Wikimedia

2. Louis XIV Of France

Reigning for an astounding 72 years (1643 to 1715), Louis XIV was not only the longest-reigning European monarch but also one of the most extravagant. Known as the "Sun King," he centralized power, turning France into a dominant force. 

Hyacinthe Rigaud on Wikimedia

3. King Bhumibol Adulyadej Of Thailand

King Bhumibol ruled for 70 years and passed away at 88. He was famous for his deep connection with his people, and he also helped Thailand through decades of change, from political upheavals to modernizing reforms, becoming a symbol of national unity.

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4. Queen Victoria Of The United Kingdom

Queen Victoria passed away at 81 in 1901 after overseeing 63 years of British history. Her death marked the end of an era during which the British Empire expanded significantly. The cultural, industrial, and political transformations under her leadership left a great impact on global history.

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5. King George III Of The United Kingdom

King George III, who passed away at 81 in 1820, lived through significant political upheaval, including the loss of the American colonies. His age at death was remarkable given the stresses of his reign, marked by mental health struggles and political challenges, yet he remained a key figure in the UK’s history.

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6. Emperor Franz Joseph I Of Austria

Emperor Franz Joseph I of Austria ruled for nearly 68 years. Living to 86, he witnessed immense political change, personal tragedies, and the rise of World War I. His reign shaped Austria-Hungary, which left a lasting impact on European history before he passed away.

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7. King Gustav V of Sweden

Living to 92 and ruling for 43 years, King Gustav V of Sweden truly had a long run! Outlasting two world wars, he guided Sweden through turbulent times while keeping the country neutral. As Sweden’s longest-lived monarch, his legacy remains one of diplomacy and an impressive lifespan in royalty.

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8. King Edward III Of England

Edward III passed away at 64, a notable age for an English monarch in the 14th century. His military triumphs, including pivotal victories in the Hundred Years' War, shaped England’s destiny. Lastly, his ability to maintain power over several decades helped secure England's position as a major European power.

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9. King Christian IV Of Denmark And Norway

King Christian IV lived to 70, ruling Denmark and Norway for 59 years. His age was impressive for the period, and his leadership during a time of economic and cultural growth in the Scandinavian kingdoms is still remembered today. Christian IV also oversaw the rise of Denmark-Norway as a key European power.

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10. King David I Of Scotland

King David I, who reigned from 1124 to 1153, lived to 69. His long life allowed him to institute important reforms that modernized Scotland’s political and religious systems. Besides, his efforts in establishing monasteries and promoting feudalism solidified Scotland’s place in the medieval world.

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