Who is the world's longest reigning monarch in recorded history?

Sobhuza II (22 July 1899 – 21 August 1982) was the Chief and later King of Swaziland for 82 years, the longest verifiable reign of any monarch in recorded history.

Sobhuza was the son of Inkhosikati Lomawa Ndwandwe and King Ngwane V. His father died suddenly at the age of 23 during the yearly incwala. The incwala is the main ritual of Kingship in the Kingdom of Swaziland. This is a national event that takes place during the summer solstice. The main person in incwala is the King of Swaziland; when there is no king there is no incwala.

Sobhuza was only four months old when he was chosen to be the King with his grandmother Labotsibeni and his uncle Prince Malunge leading the Swazi nation until his maturity in 1921. Sobhuza led Swaziland through independence until his death in 1982. He was succeeded by Mswati III, his young son with Inkhosikati Ntfombi Tfwala, who was crowned in 1986.

Sobhuza II reigned Swaziland for 82 years, 254 days.

Bernhard VII reigned Lippe (HRE) for 81 years, 234 days.

William IV reigned Henneberg-Schleusingen (HRE) for 78 years, 243 days.

Heinrich XI reigned Reuss-Obergreiz (HRE) for 77 years, 103 days.

More Info: en.wikipedia.org

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27 Comments

Richard G. Gomsrud

To many vague words used, monarch being the first. Only by limiting oneself to the answers provided can you come up with the answer that the author wanted. Elizabeth Ii is the longest reigning living monarch of an independent country. Louis XIV would be the correct answer for longest reigning monarch living or dead of an independent country. The options provided listed "monarchs" of dependent states, principalities and other governmental units. In the Roman and Greek empires because of distance limitations puppet rulers were put in place and often used the title of king or similar but were only and extension of the Greek or Roman ruler. US governors have more independent authority.

First&Formost

It could not have been a European monarch

dmarkc

All too ambiguous. First he was chief, then king. I'm guessing they're not the same rank, so is it valid? I'm referring to the author's explanation with info not included in the question.

Grant McIntosh

Caroline Weis, Hey, there is a country called Scotland you know. It's in the UK and is superior to England, Northern Ireland and Wales..

Al Breyette

Trick question! Sobhuza was monarch in name only for 21 years until his 21 st birthday as he was 4 months old when he became"king" . His grandmother Labotsibeni and his uncle Prince Malunge ruled the country til he became of age. So while he was "king" in name he didnt rule until he was 21.

gbluemoon

I Rule the question as questionable.

Patrick G Cox

William IV of Great Britain and Northern Ireland was not long on the throne and to use the English name and title is misleading. Wilhelm IV of the German state of Henneburg-Schluesingen would hardly have been referred to by the English name given. It is worth mentioning that the current longest reigning monarch of a sovereign state is Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.