Countries That Still Have Royal Families

Even though they seem like something from the past, many countries today are still ruled by royal families. In a world where many countries choose leaders through voting, these monarchies remain important symbols of their nation’s history and culture.

Royal families not only represent tradition but also sometimes help run the government.

Here is a list of countries where kings and queens still play a big role.

Japan

The Japanese Imperial Family is the oldest continuous hereditary monarchy in the world, having reigned since 660 BC. Emperor Naruhito ascended the throne in 2019 after his father, Emperor Akihito, abdicated. Emperor Naruhito is married to Empress Masako, and they have one daughter, Princess Aiko, who is the heir apparent.

Sweden

The Swedish royal family, known as the House of Bernadotte, has been in power since 1818. King Carl XVI Gustaf, who ascended the throne in 1973, is married to Queen Silvia. They have three children: Crown Princess Victoria (the heir to the throne), Prince Carl Philip, and Princess Madeleine.

Spain

Ruled by the House of Bourbon since 1700, the Spanish royal family is currently led by King Felipe VI, who began his reign in 2014. He is married to Queen Letizia, and they have two daughters: Princess Leonor, who is the heir, and Infanta Sofia.

Norway

The Norwegian royal family from the House of Glücksburg has been ruling since 1905. King Harald V, the current monarch since 1991, is married to Queen Sonja. Their children are Crown Prince Haakon, the heir to the throne, and Princess Märtha Louise.

Denmark

Also from the House of Glücksburg, the Danish royal family has been in power since 1863. Queen Margrethe II, on the throne since 1972, was married to the late Prince Henrik. They have two sons, Crown Prince Frederik, the heir, and Prince Joachim.

Netherlands

The House of Orange-Nassau has been ruling since 1815. King Willem-Alexander took the throne in 2013 and is married to Queen Máxima. They have three daughters: Princess Catharina-Amalia (the heir), Princess Alexia, and Princess Ariane.

Belgium

The Belgian royal family, from the House of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, has been reigning since 1831. King Philippe, who became the monarch in 2013, is married to Queen Mathilde. They have four children: Princess Elisabeth (the heir), Prince Gabriel, Prince Emmanuel, and Princess Eléonore.

Luxembourg

Ruled by the House of Nassau-Weilburg since 1890, Luxembourg is led by Grand Duke Henri who ascended the throne in 2000. He is married to Grand Duchess Maria Teresa, and they have five children: Hereditary Grand Duke Guillaume (the heir), Prince Félix, Prince Louis, Princess Alexandra, and Prince Sébastien.

Monaco

The House of Grimaldi has ruled Monaco since 1297. Prince Albert II, who has been in power since 2005, is married to Princess Charlene. They have twin children: Hereditary Prince Jacques (the heir) and Princess Gabriella.

United Kingdom

The British royal family, known as the House of Windsor since 1917, was formerly known as the House of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha. King Charles III became the monarch following the death of Queen Elizabeth II. He is married to Camilla Parker Bowles and has two children from his previous marriage to the late Princess Diana: Prince William (the heir) and Prince Harry.

Saudi Arabia

The House of Saud has led Saudi Arabia since the early 1920s, controlling much of the Arabian Peninsula for centuries prior. The family’s lineage has provided a long line of rulers over the nation.