Monarchy History Blog

The imperial house of Japan is generally counted as the oldest continuous hereditary monarchy, with a legendary founding in 660 BC and solid records...

In a constitutional monarchy the crown is head of state while elected parliaments hold real power. The model evolved in Britain after 1688, when the...

Sobhuza II of Swaziland reigned about 82 years from 1899 to 1982, though regents governed for much of it, making him the longest verified reign...

A king traditionally rules one kingdom or people, an emperor rules many, or claims succession from Rome. Tsar is the Slavic rendering of Caesar, used...

The French monarchy fell in 1792, returned, and fell for good in 1870. China abolished its empire in 1912, Russia lost its tsar in the revolution of...

Westminster Abbey has staged every English crowning since 1066, with the coronation chair made for Edward I in 1301 still in use. Japanese emperors...