Louis XIV of France, also known as the "Sun King", holds the record for the longest reigning monarch in European history. He ruled France for an astounding 72 years and 110 days, from 1643 until his death in 1715. His reign was marked by significant cultural and political developments, including the construction of the Palace of Versailles and the expansion of French influence in Europe.
While Louis XIV's reign is the longest in European history, there are other monarchs who have ruled for extended periods in other parts of the world:
- Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom: She reigned for 70 years and 214 days, making her the longest-reigning British monarch and the longest-reigning female monarch in world history.
- Emperor Hirohito of Japan: He reigned for 63 years and 3 months, making him the longest-reigning Japanese monarch.
It is important to note that the definition of "reign" can vary depending on the context. Some consider the length of time a monarch was in power, while others focus on the duration of their life. Therefore, the answer to the question "Who has the longest living reign?" can depend on the specific criteria used.
