Which countries still have kings and queens as their rulers?

Countries with Royal Families in 2024

The term “royal family” pertains to the immediate family of a monarch, typically a king or queen, who leads a nation in a monarchy government. Monarchy countries maintain royal families, consisting of the ruling monarch, their spouse, children, grandchildren, living parents, siblings, paternal cousins, and the spouses of immediate family members. Additionally, aunts, uncles, great-grandchildren, and other descendants may also be considered part of the royal family.

Global Royal Families

Out of the 26 monarchies worldwide, 12 are in Europe, and 10 of these are led by prominent royal families. Well-known examples include the Windsors in the United Kingdom and the Grimaldi family in Monaco. Notably, Africa and Asia also boast captivating royal families. For instance, Japan’s Emperor Emeritus Akihito broke a 2,600-year tradition in 1959 by marrying a commoner, Michiko Shōda. More recently, his granddaughter Princess Mako gave up her royal status to marry for love. Another noteworthy royal family is Bhutan’s photogenic Wangchuck family, featuring King Jihme Singye, Queen Jetsun Pema, and the young princes Jigme Namgyel and Jigme Ugyen, who often charm the internet through annual calendar appearances and the queen’s Instagram account.

Current Royal Families in Europe:

The House of Saxe-Coburg and Gothas – Belgium (King Philippe)
The House of Schleswig-Holstein-Sonderburg-Glücksburg – Denmark (Queen Margrethe II)
The House of Liechtenstein – Liechtenstein (Prince Hans-Adam II)
The House of Luxembourg-Nassau – Luxembourg (Grand Duke Henri)
The House of Grimaldi – Monaco (Prince Albert II)
The House of Orange-Nassau – Netherlands (King Willem-Alexander)
The House of Schleswig-Holstein-Sonderburg-Glücksburg – Norway (King Harald V)
The House of Borbón-Anjou – Spain (King Felipe VI)
The House of Bernadotte – Sweden (King Carl XVI Gustaf)
The House of Windsor – United Kingdom (King Charles III)

Royal Family with the Largest Kingdom:

The Windsor family, arguably the most globally recognized royal family, rules over more than just the United Kingdom. In fact, the British monarch technically presides over 15 other countries worldwide, including Canada, the Bahamas, and Australia. These countries, once under British rule, now maintain a ceremonial connection to the British monarchy.

Sixteen countries that recognize King Charles III as their monarch: