14 royal families around the world you may not have heard about | The Times of India (2024)

The British monarchy is unquestionably one of the most renowned and popular royal families in the world. From Queen Elizabeth II to her beautiful grandchildren, every member of the family has captured the attention of the world in their own unique ways. However, although, it goes without saying that the British royalty holds a considerable amount of international status, there are other royal families in the world, who might not have the same influence on the world but are highly respected and admired in their country.

That being said, here are 14 royal lineages apart from the British royal family, you probably didn’t know about.

Netherland’s King Willem-Alexander succeeded the throne on 30th April, 2013 after his mother Beatrix gave up her reign of 33 years. The country follows a bicameral parliament, which does not give the monarch the power to rule directly. However, as the president of the Council of State, he has the liberty to make important decisions for the welfare of the country.

Photo: Official Instagram of The Dutch royal family

The Swedish Royal Family is the first of its kind to allow female succession. Therefore, Crown Princess Victoria Ingrid Alice Desiree will become queen at the end of her father’s reign.

On July 21, 2013, King Philippe was sworn to the throne after his father abdication. Considering Belgium’s political situation and the divide between the Flemings and the Francophones, King Philippe’s succession came at a critical time.

Currently, Thailand is ruled by King Vajiralongkorn, who succeeded his father, King Bhumibol Adulyadej in May 2019. Apart from being a spiritual nation, the country is very particular about their laws with regard to the royal family.

Dating back to 660 BC, the Japanese Monarchy is one of the oldest hereditary monarchy in the world. Emperor Naruhito, son of Emperor Emeritus Akihito and the Empress Emerita Michiko, had taken over the throne on 1st May 2019. Japan is currently the only remaining nation to have an emperor as monarch, and as a constitutional monarchy, Naruhito does not hold any political power.

King Felipe VI is the current monarch of the House of Bourbon or the Spanish Royal Family. Having ascended the throne on 19 June 2014, he became the head of state and commander-in-chief of the Spanish Armed Forces with the military rank of Captain General. He lives in Zarzuela Palace, on the outskirts of Madrid, with his wife, Queen Letizia, and their two daughters.

Henri, the Grand Duke of Luxembourg, reigning since 2000, is the current head of the royal family. He is the eldest son of Grand Duke Jean and Princess Joséphine-Charlotte of Belgium, and a first cousin of King Philippe of Belgium.

Photo by Sophie Margue/ Cour Grand-Ducale

King Abdullah II has reigned over the Jordanian throne since 1999. Although, he isn’t the head of government, he is the head of state and commander-in-chief of the Jordanian Armed Forces and appoints the prime minister and the directors of security agencies.

The Danish Monarchy is run by Queen Margrethe II, who ascended the throne on the death of her father, King Frederick IX, on 14 January 1972. All the members of the Danish royal family except for the Queen, hold the title of Prince/Princess of Denmark. After Queen Margrethe II, the throne will be ascended by her son, Crown Prince Frederik.

Prince Albert II is the reigning monarch of the country of Monaco since 2005. He plays an important role in the political system of Monaco, despite it being an elected legislature. Prince Albert II is also one of the wealthiest royals in the world, with assets valued at more than a whopping $1 billion.

Since the reunification of the country in 1907, the Wangchuck family has ruled over the country, Bhutan. The current King, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, is married to Jetsun Pema, who became the queen when she was only 21 years old. Bhutan’s young King has been credited for his impressive work towards building healthy international relations and introducing democracy to his country.

The Kingdom of Eswatini is ruled by its absolute monarch, Mswati III of the House of Dlamini, along with his mother Queen Mother Ntfombi Tfwala. Mswati ascended the throne in 1986 after his father’s death.

The small province of Lichtenstein was formed in 1719, when the Lichtenstein family bought the land to gain power within the Holy Roman Empire. Currently ruled by Prince Hans-Adams II, a referendum passed in 2003, gave monarch, more power over the country.

Morocco’s royal lineage extends back to 789 AD, with Alaouite dynasty as the most recent house of royalty in Morocco. Having ascended the throne after his father’s death, King Mohammad VI revised the country’s constitution, strengthened parliament and claimed he would relinquish some power.