| Emperor of Germany | |
|---|---|
Imperial | |
 Coat of Arms | |
| Incumbent | |
 Frederick IV since 26 September 1994 | |
| Details | |
| Style | His Imperial Majesty |
| Heir apparent | Crown Prince Frederick |
| Formation | 1 January 1871 |
| Residences | Berlin City Palace |
Monarchies of the Empire of Germany
The monarchs of Prussia are members of the House of Hohenzollern who were the hereditary rulers of the former German state of Prussia since its founding in 1525 as the Duchy of Prussia. The Duchy had evolved out of the Teutonic Order, a Roman Catholic crusader state and theocracy located along the eastern coast of the Baltic Sea. The Teutonic Knights were under the leadership of a Grand Master, the last of whom, Albert, converted to Protestantism and secularized the lands, which then became the Duchy of Prussia.
The Duchy was initially a vassal of the Kingdom of Poland, as a result of the terms of the Prussian Homage whereby Albert was granted the Duchy as part of the terms of peace following the Prussian War. When the main line of Prussian Hohenzollerns died out in 1618, the Duchy passed to a different branch of the family, who also reigned as Electors of Brandenburg in the Holy Roman Empire. While still nominally two different territories, Prussia under the suzerainty of Poland and Brandenburg under the suzerainty of the Holy Roman Empire, the two states are known together historiographically as Brandenburg-Prussia.
Following the third Northern War, a series of treaties freed the Duchy of Prussia from vassalage to any other state, making it a fully sovereign Duchy in its own right. This complex situation (where the Hohenzollern ruler of the independent Duchy of Prussia was also a subject of the Holy Roman Emperor as Elector of Brandenburg) laid the eventual groundwork for the establishment of the Kingdom of Prussia in 1701. For diplomatic reasons, the rulers of Prussia called themselves King in Prussia from 1701 to 1772. They still nominally owed fealty to the Emperor as Electors of Brandenburg, so the "King in Prussia" title (as opposed to "King of Prussia") avoided offending the Emperor. Additionally, calling themselves "King of Prussia" implied sovereignty over the entire Prussian region, parts of which were still part of Poland.
As the Prussian state grew through several wars and diplomatic moves throughout the 18th century, it became apparent that Prussia had become a Great Power in its own right. By 1772, the pretense was dropped, and the style "King of Prussia" was adopted. The Prussian kings continued to use the title "Elector of Brandenburg" until the end of the Holy Roman Empire in 1806, reflecting the legal fiction that their domains within the empire were still under the ultimate overlordship of the Emperor. Legally, the Hohenzollerns ruled Brandenburg in personal union with their Prussian kingdom, but in practice they treated their domains as a single unit. The Hohenzollerns gained de jure sovereignty over Brandenburg when the empire dissolved in 1806, and Brandenburg was formally merged into Prussia.
In 1871, in the aftermath of the Franco-Prussian War, the German Empire was formed, and the King of Prussia, Wilhelm I was crowned German Emperor. From that point forward, though the Kingdom of Prussia retained its status as a constituent state of the empire (by far the largest and most powerful), all subsequent Kings of Prussia also served as German Emperor, and that title took precedence.
| Image | Name | Reign | Lifespan | Notes | Titles |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Albert | 10 April 1525 – 20 March 1568 (42 years 11 months 10 days) |
17 May 1490 – 20 March 1568 (aged 77) | Grand Master of Teutonic Knights, granted the title of Duke of Prussia | Duke of Prussia |
|
Albert Frederick | 20 March 1568 – 27 August 1618 (50 years 5 months 7 days) |
7 May 1553 – 27 August 1618 (aged 65) | Son of Albert | Duke of Prussia |
|
John Sigismund | 28 August 1618 – 23 December 1619 (1 year 3 months 25 days) |
8 November 1572 – 23 December 1619 (aged 47) | Son in law and second cousin thrice removed of Albert Frederick, also Elector of Brandenburg | Elector of Brandenburg, Duke of Prussia |
|
George William | 23 December 1619 – 1 December 1640 (20 years 11 months 8 days) |
13 November 1595 – 1 December 1640 (aged 45) | Son of John Sigismund, also Elector of Brandenburg | Elector of Brandenburg, Duke of Prussia |
|
Frederick William the Great Elector | 1 December 1640 – 29 April 1688 (47 years 4 months 28 days) |
16 February 1620 – 29 April 1688 (aged 68) | Son of George William, also Elector of Brandenburg | Elector of Brandenburg, Duke of Prussia |
|
Frederick I | 29 April 1688 – 25 February 1713 (24 years 9 months 27 days) |
11 July 1657 – 25 February 1713 (aged 55) | Son of Frederick William, also Elector of Brandenburg | Elector of Brandenburg, Duke of Prussia, King in Prussia |
|
Frederick William I | 25 February 1713 – 31 May 1740 (27 years 3 months 6 days) |
14 August 1688 – 31 May 1740 (aged 51) | Son of Frederick I | Elector of Brandenburg, King in Prussia |
|
Frederick II | 31 May 1740 – 17 August 1786 (46 years 2 months 17 days) |
24 January 1712 – 17 August 1786 (aged 74) | Son of Frederick William I | King of Prussia |
|
Frederick William II | 17 August 1786 – 16 November 1797 (11 years 2 months 30 days) |
25 September 1744 – 16 November 1797 (aged 53) | Nephew of Frederick II, Grandson of Frederick William I | King of Prussia |
|
Frederick William III | 16 November 1797 – 7 June 1840 (42 years 6 months 22 days) |
3 July 1770 – 7 June 1840 (aged 69) | Son of Frederick William II | King of Prussia |
|
Frederick William IV | 7 June 1840 – 2 January 1861 (20 years 6 months 26 days) |
15 October 1795 – 2 January 1861 (aged 65) | Son of Frederick William III; also President of the Erfurt Union (1849–1850) | King of Prussia |
|
Wilhelm I | 2 January 1861 – 9 March 1888 (27 years 2 months 7 days) |
22 March 1797 – 9 March 1888 (aged 90) | Brother of Frederick William IV, Son of Frederick William III; also President of the North German Confederation (1867–1871) and German Emperor (from 1871) | German Emperor, King of Prussia |
|
Frederick III | 9 March – 15 June 1888 (3 months 6 days) |
18 October 1831 – 15 June 1888 (aged 56) | Son of Wilhelm I | German Emperor, King of Prussia |
|
Wilhelm II | 15 June 1888 – 9 November 1918 (30 years 4 months 25 days) |
27 January 1859 – 4 June 1941 (aged 82) | Son of Frederick III | German Emperor, King of Prussia |
|
Wilhelm III | 9 November 1918 – 20 July 1951 (32 years 8 months 11 days) |
6 May 1882 - 20 July 1951 (aged 69) | Son of Wilhelm II | German Emperor, King of Prussia |
|
Louis Ferdinand | 20 July 1951 – 26 September 1994 (43 years 2 months 6 days) |
9 November 1907 - 26 September 1994 (aged 86) | Son of Wilhelm III | German Emperor, King of Prussia |
|
|
Frederick IV | 26 September 1994 – present | 10 June 1976 | Grandson of Louis Ferdinand | German Emperor, King of Prussia |
Constituent Kings[]
| Image | Name | Reign | Lifespan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kings of Bavaria | |||
| House of Wittelsbach | |||
|
Maximilian I | 16 February 1799 – 13 October 1825 (26 years 7 months 27 days) |
16 February 1799 – 6 August 1806 |
|
Louis I | 13 October 1825 – 20 March 1848 (22 years 5 months 7 days) |
Son |
|
Maximilian II | 20 March 1848 – 10 March 1864 (15 years 11 months 19 days) |
Son |
|
Louis II | 10 March 1864 – 13 June 1886 (22 years 3 months 3 days) |
Son |
|
Otto | 13 June 1886 – 5 November 1913 (27 years 4 months 23 days) |
Brother |
|
Louis III | 5 November 1913 – 18 October 1921 (7 years 11 months 13 days) |
Son of Prince Regent Luitpold and grandson of Ludwig I. |
|
Robert I | 18 October 1921 – 2 August 1955 (33 years 9 months 15 days) |
Son |
|
Albert | 2 August 1955 – 8 July 1996 (40 years 11 months 6 days) |
Son |
|
Francis | 8 July 1996 – 20 July 2024 (28 years 12 days, Abdicated) |
Son |
|
Louis IV | 20 July 2024 - | Brother |
| Kings of Saxony | |||
| House of Wettin | |||
|
Frederick Augustus I | 17 December 1763 - 5 May 1827 (63 years 4 months 18 days) |
Raised from Duke to elector to King |
|
Anthony | 5 May 1827 – 6 June 1836 (9 years 1 month 1 day) |
Brother |
|
Frederick Augustus II | 6 June 1836 – 9 August 1854 (18 years 2 months 3 days) |
Nephew |
|
John | 9 August 1854 – 29 October 1873 (19 years 2 months 20 days) |
Brother |
|
Albert I | 29 October 1873 – 19 June 1902 (28 years 7 months 21 days) |
Son |
|
George I | 19 June 1902 - 15 October 1904 (2 years 3 months 26 days) |
Brother |
|
Frederick Augustus III | 15 October 1904 – 18 February 1932 (27 years 4 months 3 days) |
Son |
|
George II | 18 February 1932 - 19 February 1933 (1 year 1 day) |
Son |
|
Albert II | 19 February 1933 – 9 August 1968 (35 years 5 months 21 days) |
Brother |
|
Maria Emanuel | 9 August 1968 – 23 July 2012 (43 years 11 months 14 days) |
Son |
|
Albert III | 23 July 2012 – 6 October 2012 (2 months 13 days) |
Brother |
|
Timo I | 6 October 2012 - 29 March 2022 (9 years 5 months 23 days) |
Great-Grandson of Frederick Augustus III |
|
Timo II | 29 March 2022 - | Son |
| Kings of Württemberg | |||
| House of Württemberg | |||
|
Frederick I | 23 December 1797 - 30 October 1816 (18 years 10 months 7 days) |
Raised from Duke to elector to King |
|
William I | 30 October 1816 - 25 June 1864 (47 years 7 months 26 days) |
Son |
|
Charles I | 25 June 1864 - 6 October 1891 (27 years 3 months 11 days) |
Son |
|
William II | 6 October 1891 - 2 October 1921 (29 years 11 months 26 days) |
Nephew |
|
Albert I | 2 October 1921 - 31 October 1939 (18 years 29 days) |
Cousin |
|
Albert II | 31 October 1939 – 15 April 1975 (35 years 5 months 15 days) |
Son |
|
Charles II | 15 April 1975 – 7 June 2022 (47 years 1 month 23 days) |
Son |
|
William III | 7 June 2022 - | Grandson |
| Kings of Hanover | |||
| House of Hanover | |||
|
George I | 23 January 1698 – 11 June 1727 (29 years, 4 months and 19 days) |
Founder |
|
George II | 11 June 1727 – 25 October 1760 (33 years, 4 months and 14 days) |
Son |
|
George III | 25 October 1760 – 29 January 1820 (59 years, 3 months and 4 days) |
Son |
|
George IV | 29 January 1820 – 26 June 1830 (10 years, 4 months and 28 days) |
Son |
|
William | 26 June 1830 – 20 June 1837 (6 years, 11 months and 25 days) |
Brother |
|
Ernest Augustus I | 20 June 1837 – 18 November 1851 (14 years, 4 months and 29 days) |
Brother |
|
George V | 18 November 1851 – 12 June 1878 (26 years, 6 months and 25 days) |
Son |
|
Ernest Augustus II | 12 June 1878 – 14 November 1923 (45 years, 5 months and 2 days) |
Son |
|
Ernest Augustus III | 1 November 1913 – 30 January 1953 (39 years, 2 months and 29 days) |
Son |
|
Ernest Augustus IV | 30 January 1953 – 9 December 1987 (34 years, 10 months and 9 days) |
Son |
|
Ernest Augustus V | 9 December 1987 - | Son |
| Kings of Westphalia | |||
| House of Bonaparte | |||
|
Jerome I | 7 July 1807 – 24 June 1860 (52 years, 11 months and 17 days) |
Founder |
|
Jerome II | 24 June 1860 – 17 March 1891 (30 years, 8 months and 21 days) |
Son |
|
Louis I | 17 March 1891 - 14 October 1932 (41 years, 6 months and 27 days) |
Son |
|
Louis II | 14 October 1932 - 3 May 1997 (64 years, 6 months and 19 days) |
Nephew |
|
Jerome III | 3 May 1997 - 3 May 2006 (9 years) (Abdicated) |
Son |
|
Louis III | 3 May 2006 - Present (Reigning) |
Son |
| Kings of Thuringia | |||
| House of Saxe Weimar Eisenach | |||
|
Charles Augustus | 15 January 1946 – 14 October 1988 (42 years, 8 months and 29 days) |
Founder |
|
Michael | 14 October 1988 - | Son |
| Monarchs of Baden | |||
| House of Baden | |||
|
Charles Frederick | 12 May 1738 – 10 June 1811 (73 years 29 days) |
Unification of Baden 1771 |
|
Charles I | 10 June 1811 – 8 December 1818 (7 years 5 months 28 days) |
Grandson |
|
Louis I | 8 December 1818 – 30 March 1830 (11 years 3 months 22 days) |
Uncle |
|
Leopold I | 30 March 1830 – 24 April 1852 (22 years 25 days) |
Half-brother |
|
Louis II | 24 April 1852 – 22 January 1858 (5 years 8 months 29 days) |
Son |
|
Frederick I | 25 September 1856 – 28 September 1907 (51 years 3 days) |
Brother |
|
Frederick II | 28 September 1907 – 9 August 1928 (20 years 10 months 12 days) |
Son |
|
Maximilian I | 9 August 1928 – 6 November 1929 (1 year 2 months 28 days) |
Cousin, grandson of Leopold I |
|
Berthold | 6 November 1929 – 27 October 1963 (33 years 11 months 21 days) |
Son |
|
Maximilian II | 27 October 1963 – 29 December 2022 (59 years 2 months 2 days) |
Son |
|
Bernhard | 29 December 2022 – present (reigning) |
Son |
| Monarchs of Hesse-Darmstadt | |||
| House of Hesse | |||
|
Louis I | 6 April 1790 – 6 April 1830 (40 years) |
Elevated to Grand Duke |
|
Louis II | 6 April 1830 – 16 June 1848 (18 years 2 months 10 days) |
Son |
|
Louis III | 16 June 1848 – 13 June 1877 (28 years 11 months 28 days) |
Son |
|
Louis IV | 13 June 1877 – 13 March 1892 (14 years 9 months) |
Nephew |
|
Ernest Louis | 13 March 1892 – 9 October 1937 (45 years 6 months 26 days) |
Son |
|
Donatus I | 9 October 1937 – 16 November 1937 (1 month 7 days) |
Son |
|
Louis V | 16 November 1937 – 30 May 1968 (30 years 6 months 14 days) |
Brother |
|
Philip I | 30 May 1968 – 14 October 1988 (20 years 4 months 14 days) |
Elevated to King, Relative |
|
Maurice I | 25 October 1980 – 23 May 2013 (32 years 6 months 28 days) |
Son |
|
Donatus II | 23 May 2013 – Present | Son |
| Monarchs of Hesse-Kassel | |||
| House of Hesse | |||
|
William I | 31 October 1785 – 27 February 1821 (35 years 3 months 27 days) |
Elevated to Elector |
|
William II | 27 February 1821 – 20 November 1847 (26 years 8 months 24 days) |
Son |
|
Frederick William I | 30 September 1831 – 6 January 1875 (43 years 3 months 7 days) |
Son |
|
Frederick William II | 6 January 1875 – 14 October 1884 (9 years 9 months 8 days) |
Grandson of prince Frederick of Hesse-Kassel, brother of William I |
|
Frederick William III | 14 October 1884 – 14 October 1888 (4 years) |
Son |
|
Alexander Frederick | 14 October 1888 – 16 March 1925 (36 years 5 months 2 days) |
Brother |
|
Fredrick Charles | 16 March 1925 – 28 May 1940 (15 years 2 months 12 days) |
Brother |
|
|
Philip I | 28 May 1940 – 25 October 1980 (40 years 4 months 27 days) |
Son |
|
|
Maurice I | 25 October 1980 – 23 May 2013 (32 years 6 months 28 days) |
Son |
|
|
Donatus II | 23 May 2013 – Present (Reigning) |
Son |
Grand Duchies[]
| Image | Name | Reign | Lifespan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monarchs of Mecklenburg Schwerin | |||
| House of Mecklenburg | |||
|
Frederick Francis I | 24 April 1785 – 1 February 1837 (51 years 9 months 8 days) |
Elevated to Grand Duke |
|
Paul Frederick | 1 February 1837 – 7 March 1842 (5 years 1 month 6 days) |
Grandson |
|
Frederick Francis II | 7 March 1842 – 15 April 1883 (41 years 1 month 8 days) |
Son |
|
Frederick Francis III | 15 April 1883 – 10 April 1897 (13 years 11 months 26 days) |
Son |
|
Frederick Francis IV | 10 April 1897 – 17 November 1945 (48 years 7 months 7 days) |
Son |
|
Frederick Francis V | 17 November 1945 – 31 July 2001 (55 years 8 months 14 days) |
Son |
|
Borwin V | 26 January 1996 - Present (Reigning) |
Son |
| Monarchs of Mecklenburg Strelitz | |||
| House of Mecklenburg | |||
|
Charles II | 2 June 1794 – 6 November 1816 (22 years 5 months 4 days) |
Elevated to Grand Duke |
|
George I | 6 November 1816 – 6 September 1860 (43 years 10 months) |
Son |
|
Frederick William | 6 September 1860 – 30 May 1904 (43 years 8 months 24 days) |
Son |
|
Adolph Frederick V | 30 May 1904 – 11 June 1914 (10 years 12 days) |
Son |
|
Adolph Frederick VI | 11 June 1914 – 23 February 1918 (3 years 8 months 12 days) |
Son |
|
Charles III | 23 February 1918 – 6 December 1934 (16 years 9 months 13 days) |
Relative |
|
George II | 6 December 1934 – 6 July 1963 (28 years 7 months) |
Nephew |
|
Alexander I | 6 July 1963 – 26 January 1996 (32 years 6 months 20 days) |
Son |
|
|
Borwin V | 26 January 1996 - Present (Reigning) |
Son |
| Monarchs of Oldenburg | |||
| House of Holstein-Gottorp | |||
|
Frederick Augustus I | 14 December 1773 – 6 July 1785 (11 years 6 months 22 days) |
Elevated to Duke |
|
William | 6 July 1785 – 2 July 1823 (37 years 11 months 26 days) |
Son |
|
Peter I | 2 July 1823 – 21 May 1829 (5 years 10 months 19 days) |
Elevated to Grand Duke, nephew of Frederick Augustus I and cousin of William |
|
Augustus I | 21 May 1829 – 27 February 1853 (23 years 9 months 6 days) |
Son |
|
Peter II | 27 February 1853 – 13 June 1900 (47 years 3 months 17 days) |
Son |
|
Frederick Augustus II | 13 June 1900 – 24 February 1931 (30 years 8 months 11 days) |
Son |
|
Nikolaus | 24 February 1931 – 3 April 1970 (39 years 1 month 10 days) |
Son |
|
Anton-Günther II | 3 April 1970 – 20 September 2014 (44 years 5 months 17 days) |
Son |
|
Christian XI | 20 September 2014 – (Reigning) |
Son |
| Grand Dukes of Saxe Weimar Eisenach | |||
| House of Saxe Weimar Eisenach | |||
|
Ernest Augustus I | 10 May 1707 – 19 January 1748 (40 years 8 months 9 days) |
Inherited Saxe Eisenach |
|
Ernest Augustus II | 19 January 1748 – 28 May 1758 (10 years 4 months 9 days) |
Son |
|
Charles Augustus I | 28 May 1758 – 14 June 1828 (70 years 17 days) |
Son |
|
Charles Frederick | 14 June 1828 – 8 July 1853 (25 years 24 days) |
Son |
|
Charles Alexander I | 8 July 1853 – 5 January 1901 (47 years 5 months 28 days) |
Son |
|
William Ernest | 5 January 1901 – 24 April 1923 (22 years 3 months 19 days) |
Grandson |
|
|
Charles Augustus II | 24 April 1923 – 14 October 1988 (65 years 5 months 20 days) |
Son |
|
|
Charles Alexander II | 14 October 1988 - (Reigning) |
Son |
| Grand Dukes of Anhalt | |||
| House of Ascania | |||
|
Leopold IV | 9 August 1817 – 22 May 1871 (53 years 9 months 13 days) |
Unification of Anhalt, 1863 |
|
Frederick I | 22 May 1871 – 24 January 1904 (32 years 8 months 2 days) |
Son |
|
Frederick II | 24 January 1904 – 21 April 1918 (14 years 2 months 28 days) |
Son |
|
Edward I | 21 April 1918 – 13 September 1918 (4 months 23 days) |
Brother |
|
Joachim Ernest II | 13 September 1918 – 18 February 1947 (28 years 5 months 5 days) |
Son |
|
Frederick III | 18 February 1947 – 9 October 1963 (16 years 7 months 21 days) |
Son |
|
Edward II | 9 October 1963 – (Reigning) |
Brother |
Duchies[]
| Image | Name | Reign | Lifespan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dukes of Brunswick | |||
| House of Welf | |||
|
Frederick William the Black Duke | 16 October 1806 – 16 June 1815 (8 years 8 months) |
Founder |
|
Charles II | 16 June 1815 – 9 September 1830 (15 years 2 months 24 days) |
Son |
|
William VIII | 9 September 1830 – 18 October 1884 (54 years 1 month 9 days) |
Brother |
| 18 October 1884 – 1 November 1913 | Regency of Adalbert of Prussia and John Albert of Mecklenburg Schwerin | ||
| House of Hanover | |||
|
|
Ernest Augustus I | 1 November 1913 – 30 January 1953 (39 years 2 months 29 days) |
regency ended on 1 November 1913 when Ernest Augustus, the Crown Prince of Hanover's son, was permitted to ascend to Duchy following his marriage to Princess Victoria Louise of Prussia |
|
|
Ernest Augustus II | 30 January 1953 – 9 December 1987 (34 years, 10 months and 9 days) |
Son |
|
|
Ernest Augustus III | 9 December 1987 - (Reigning) |
Son |
| Dukes of Saxe Lauenburg | |||
| House of Hohenzollern | |||
|
|
Wilhelm I | 2 January 1861 – 9 March 1888 (27 years 2 months 7 days) |
Son |
|
|
Frederick III | 9 March – 15 June 1888 (3 months 6 days) |
Son |
|
|
Wilhelm II | 15 June 1888 – 9 November 1918 (30 years 4 months 25 days) |
Son |
|
|
Wilhelm III | 9 November 1918 – 20 July 1951 (32 years 8 months 11 days) |
Son |
|
|
Louis Ferdinand | 20 July 1951 – 26 September 1994 (43 years 2 months 6 days) |
Son |
|
|
Frederick IV | 26 September 1994 – present | Son |
| Duke of Saxe Altenburg | |||
| House of Saxe Altenburg | |||
|
Frederick I | 12 November 1826 – 29 September 1834 (7 years 10 months 17 days) |
Founder |
|
Joseph | 29 September 1834 – 30 November 1848 (14 years 2 months 1 day) |
Son |
|
George I | 30 November 1848 – 3 August 1853 (4 years 8 months 4 days) |
Son |
|
Ernest I | 3 August 1853 – 7 February 1908 (54 years 6 months 4 days) |
Son |
|
Ernest II | 7 February 1908 – 22 March 1955 (47 years 1 month 15 days) |
Nephew |
|
George II | 22 March 1955 - 13 February 1991 (35 years 10 months 22 days) |
Son |
| House of Saxe Weimar Eisenach | |||
|
|
Charles Alexander II | 14 October 1988 - (Reigning) |
Proximity of Blood |
| Dukes of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha | |||
| House of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha | |||
|
Ernest I | 12 November 1826 – 29 January 1844 (17 years 2 months 17 days) |
Founder |
|
Ernest II | 29 January 1844 – 22 August 1893 (49 years 6 months 24 days) |
Son |
|
Alfred | 22 August 1893 – 30 July 1900 (6 years 11 months 8 days) |
Nephew |
|
Charles Edward | 30 July 1900 – 6 March 1954 (53 years 7 months 6 days) |
Nephew |
|
Friedrich Josias | 6 March 1954 - 23 January 1998 (43 years 10 months 17 days) |
Son |
|
Andreas | 23 January 1998 - (Reigning) |
Son |
| Dukes of Saxe-Meiningen | |||
| House of Saxe-Meiningen | |||
|
Bernhard I | 2 August 1691 - 27 April 1706 (14 years 8 months 25 days) |
Founder |
|
Ernst I | 27 April 1706 - 24 November 1724 (18 years 6 months 28 days) |
Son |
|
Ernst II | 24 November 1724 - 24 February 1729 (4 years 3 months) |
Son |
|
Karl Friedrich | 24 February 1729 - 28 March 1743 (14 years 1 month 4 days) |
Brother |
|
Friedrich Wilhelm | 28 March 1743 - 10 March 1746 (2 years 11 months 10 days) |
Uncle |
|
Anton Ulrich | 10 March 1746 - 27 January 1763 (16 years 10 months 17 days) |
Brother |
|
Karl Wilhelm | 27 January 1763 - 21 July 1782 (19 years 5 months 24 days) |
Son |
|
George I | 21 July 1782 - 24 December 1803 (21 years 5 months 3 days) |
Son |
|
Bernhard II | 24 December 1803 - 20 September 1866 (62 years 8 months 27 days) |
Son |
|
George II | 20 September 1866 - 25 June 1914 (47 years 9 months 5 days) |
Son |
|
Bernhard III | 25 June 1914 - 16 January 1928 (13 years 6 months 22 days) |
Brother |
|
Ernest III | 16 January 1928 – 29 December 1941 (13 years 11 months 13 days) |
Son |
|
George III | 29 December 1941 – 6 January 1946 (4 years 8 days) |
Nephew |
|
Bernhard IV | 6 January 1946 – 4 October 1984 (38 years 8 months 28 days) |
Brother |
|
Konrad | 23 January 1998 - (Reigning) |
Son |
| Dukes of Nassau | |||
| House of Nassau Weilburg | |||
 |
Frederick Augustus | 17 May 1803 – 24 March 1816 (12 years 10 months 7 days) |
Duke of Nassau |
 |
William I | 24 March 1816 – 20 August 1839 (23 years 4 months 27 days) |
Proximity of Blood |
 |
Adolphe | 20 August 1839 – 17 November 1905 (66 years 2 months 28 days) |
Son |
 |
William II | 17 November 1905 – 25 February 1912 (6 years 3 months 8 days) |
Son |
 |
Marie-Adélaïde | 25 February 1912 – 14 January 1919 (abdicated) (6 years 10 months 20 days) |
Daughter |
 |
Charlotte | 14 January 1919 – 12 November 1964 (abdicated) (45 years 9 months 29 days) |
Daughter |
 |
Jean | 12 November 1964 – 7 October 2000 (abdicated) (35 years 10 months 25 days) |
Son |
 |
Henri | 7 October 2000 - (Reigning) |
Son |
| Dukes of Schleswig-Holstein | |||
| House of Schleswig-Holstein | |||
 |
Wilhelm I | 25 March 1816 – 17 February 1831 (14 years 10 months 23 days) |
Founder |
 |
Charles | 17 February 1831 – 14 October 1878 (47 years 7 months 27 days) |
Son |
 |
Friedrich | 14 October 1878 – 27 November 1885 (7 years 1 month 13 days) |
Brother |
 |
Friedrich Ferdinand I | 27 November 1885 – 21 January 1934 (48 years 1 month 25 days) |
Son |
 |
Wilhelm II Friedrich | 21 January 1934 – 10 February 1965 (31 years 20 days) |
Son |
 |
Peter | 10 February 1965 – 30 September 1980 (15 years 7 months 20 days) |
Son |
 |
Christoph | 30 September 1980 – 27 September 2023 (42 years 11 months 28 days) |
Son |
 |
Friedrich Ferdinand II | 27 September 2023 (Reigning) |
Son |
Principalities[]
| Image | Name | Reign | Lifespan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monarchs of Waldeck and Pyrmont | |||
| House of Waldeck and Pyrmont | |||
|
Friedrich Anton Ulrich | 12 December 1706 – 1 January 1728 (21 years 20 days) |
County elevated to Principality |
|
Christian Philip | 1 January 1728 – 17 May 1728 (4 months 16 days) |
Son |
|
Charles August | 17 May 1728 – 29 August 1763 (35 years 3 months 12 days) |
Brother |
|
Frederick Charles August | 29 August 1763 – 24 September 1812 (49 years 26 days) |
Son |
|
George I | 24 September 1812 – 9 September 1813 (11 months 16 days) |
Brother |
|
George II | 9 September 1813 – 15 May 1845 (31 years 8 months 6 days) |
Son |
|
George Victor | 15 May 1845 – 12 May 1893 (47 years 11 months 27 days) |
Son |
|
Frederick | 12 May 1893 – 26 May 1946 (53 years 14 days) |
Son |
|
Josias III | 26 May 1946 – 30 November 1967 (21 years 6 months 4 days) |
Son |
|
Wittekind IV | 30 November 1967 - (Reigning) |
Son |
| Monarchs of Reuss Gera | |||
| House of Reuss | |||
|
Henry XLII | 25 January 1784 - 17 April 1818 (34 years 2 months 23 days) |
Elevated to Principality |
|
Henry LXII | 17 April 1818 – 19 June 1854 (36 years 2 months 2 days) |
Son |
|
Henry LXVII | 19 June 1854 – 11 July 1867 (13 years 22 days) |
Brother |
|
Henry XIV | 11 July 1867 – 29 March 1913 (45 years 8 months 18 days) |
Son |
|
Henry XXVII | 29 March 1913 – 21 November 1928 (15 years 7 months 23 days) |
Son |
|
Henry XLV | 21 November 1928 - 21 January 1946 (17 years 2 months) |
Son |
|
Henry IV | 21 January 1946 - 20 June 2012 (66 years 4 months 30 days) |
Son |
|
Henry XIV | 20 June 2012 - (Reigning) |
Relative |
| Monarchs of Reuss Greiz | |||
| House of Reuss | |||
|
Henry XI | 17 November 1723 – 28 June 1800 (76 years 7 months 11 days) |
elevated to princely status |
|
Henry XIII | 28 June 1800 – 29 January 1817 (16 years 7 months 1 day) |
Son |
|
Henry XIX | 29 January 1817 – 31 October 1836 (19 years 9 months 2 days) |
Son |
|
Henry XX | 32 October 1836 – 8 November 1859 (23 years 8 days) |
Brother |
|
Henry XXII | 8 November 1859 – 19 April 1902 (42 years 5 months 11 days) |
Son |
|
Henry XXIV | 19 April 1902 - 13 October 1927 (25 years 5 months 24 days) |
Son |
|
|
Henry XXVII | 13 October 1927 - 21 November 1928 (1 year 1 month 8 days) |
Relative |
|
|
Henry XLV | 21 November 1928 - 21 January 1946 (17 years 2 months) |
Son |
|
|
Henry IV | 21 January 1946 - 20 June 2012 (66 years 4 months 30 days) |
Son |
|
|
Henry XIV | 20 June 2012 - (Reigning) |
Relative |
| Monarchs of Lippe | |||
| House of Lippe | |||
|
Leopold I | 1 May 1782 – 4 April 1802 (19 years 11 months 3 days) |
elevated to princely status |
|
Leopold II | 4 April 1802 – 1 January 1851 (48 years 8 months 28 days) |
Son |
|
Leopold III | 1 January 1851 – 8 December 1875 (24 years 11 months 7 days) |
Son |
|
Woldemar | 8 December 1875 – 20 March 1895 (19 years 3 months 12 days) |
Brother |
|
Alexander | 20 March 1895 – 13 January 1905 (9 years 9 months 24 days) |
Brother |
|
Leopold IV | 13 January 1905 – 30 December 1949 (44 years 11 months 17 days) |
Relative from the Lippe-Biesterfeld line |
|
Leopold V | 30 December 1949 – 20 August 2015 (65 years 7 months 21 days) |
Son |
|
Stephen | 20 August 2015 – (Reigning) |
Son |
| Monarchs of Schaumburg Lippe | |||
| House of Schaumburg Lippe | |||
|
George William | 13 February 1787 – 21 November 1860 (73 years 9 months 8 days) |
elevated to princely status |
|
Adolphus I | 21 November 1860 – 8 May 1893 (32 years 5 months 17 days) |
Son |
|
George | 8 May 1893 – 29 April 1911 (17 years 11 months 21 days) |
Son |
|
Adolphus II | 29 April 1911 – 26 March 1936 (24 years 10 months 26 days) |
Son |
|
Wolrad | 26 March 1936 – 15 June 1962 (26 years 2 months 20 days) |
Brother |
|
Philip III | 15 June 1962 – 28 August 2003 (41 years 2 months 13 days) |
Son |
|
Alexander | 28 August 2003 – (Reigning) |
Son |
| Shwarzburg Sonderhaussen | |||
| House of Shwarzburg | |||
|
Anton Günther II | 19 August 1666 – 10 May 1721 (54 years 8 months 21 days) |
Elevated to Prince |
|
Christian William | 29 August 1669 – 20 December 1716 (47 years 3 months 21 days) |
Brother |
|
Günther XLIII | 10 May 1721 – 28 November 1740 (19 years 6 months 18 days) |
Son of Anton Günther II |
|
Henry XXXV | 28 November 1740 – 6 November 1758 (17 years 11 months 9 days) |
Brother |
|
Christian Günther III | 6 November 1758 – 14 October 1794 (35 years 11 months 8 days) |
Nephew |
|
Günther Friedrich Karl I | 14 October 1794 – 19 August 1835 (40 years 10 months 5 days) |
Son |
|
Günther Friedrich Karl II | 19 August 1835 – 17 July 1880 (44 years 10 months 28 days) |
Son |
|
Karl Günther | 17 July 1880 – 28 March 1909 (28 years 8 months 11 days) |
Son |
|
Günther XLIV Victor | 28 March 1909 - 16 April 1925 (16 years 19 days) |
Blood Proximity |
|
Sizzo IV | 16 April 1925 – 24 March 1926 (11 months 8 days) |
Son of Friedrich Günther II of Rudolstadt |
|
Günther XLV | 24 March 1926 – 9 November 1971 (45 years 7 months 16 days) |
Son |
|
Marie Antoinette | 9 November 1971 – 4 November 1984 (12 years 11 months 26 days) |
Sister |
| House of Solms Windelfels | |||
|
|
Frederick II | 4 November 1984 – 11 June 2025 (40 years 7 months 7 days) |
Son |
| House of Waldeck | |||
|
|
Henry XXXVI | 11 June 2025 - (Reigning) |
Descendant of the house of schwarzburg through Princess Augusta of Schwarzburg-Sondershausen, proclaimed Heir to the throne in 1995 |
| Shwarzburg Rudolstadt | |||
| House of Shwarzburg | |||
|
Albert Anton | 4 November 1646 – 15 December 1710 (64 years 1 month 11 days) |
Elevated to Prince |
|
Louis Frederick I | 15 December 1710 – 24 June 1718 (7 years 6 months 9 days) |
Son |
|
Frederick Anton | 24 June 1718 – 1 September 1744 (26 years 2 months 8 days) |
Son |
|
John Frederick | 1 September 1744 – 10 July 1767 (22 years 10 months 9 days) |
Son |
|
Louis Günther III | 10 July 1767 – 29 August 1790 (23 years 1 month 19 days) |
son of Louis Frederick I |
|
Frederick Charles | 29 August 1790 – 13 April 1793 (2 years 7 months 15 days) |
Son |
|
Louis Frederick II | 13 April 1793 – 28 April 1807 (14 years 15 days) |
Son |
|
Frederick Günther | 28 April 1807 – 28 June 1867 (60 years 2 months) |
Son |
|
Albert | 28 June 1867 – 26 November 1869 (2 years 4 months 29 days) |
Brother |
|
Georg Albert | 28 November 1869 – 19 January 1890 (20 years 1 month 22 days) |
Son |
|
|
Günther XLIV Victor | 19 January 1890 – 16 April 1925 (35 years 2 months 28 days) |
first cousin once removed |
|
|
Sizzo IV | 16 April 1925 – 24 March 1926 (11 months 8 days) |
Son of Friedrich Günther II |
|
|
Günther XLV | 24 March 1926 – 9 November 1971 (45 years 7 months 16 days) |
Son |
|
|
Marie Antoinette | 9 November 1971 – 4 November 1984 (12 years 11 months 26 days) |
Sister |
| House of Solms Windelfels | |||
|
|
Frederick II | 4 November 1984 – 11 June 2025 (40 years 7 months 7 days) |
Son |
| House of Waldeck | |||
|
|
Henry XXXVI | 11 June 2025 - (Reigning) |
Descendant of the house of schwarzburg through Princess Augusta of Schwarzburg-Sondershausen, proclaimed Heir to the throne in 1995 |
| Principality of Hohenzollern | |||
| House of Hohenzollern Sigmaringen | |||
|
Johann | 8 April 1606 - 22 March 1638 (31 years 11 months 14 days) |
Elevated to prince |
|
Meinrad I | 22 March 1638 - 30 January 1681 (42 years 10 months 8 days) |
Son |
|
Maximilian | 30 January 1681 - 13 August 1689 (8 years 6 months 14 days) |
Son |
|
Meinrad II | 13 August 1689 - 20 October 1715 (26 years 2 months 7 days) |
Son |
|
Josef Friedrich Ernst | 20 October 1715 - 8 December 1769 (54 years 1 month 18 days) |
Son |
|
|
Karl Friedrich I | 8 December 1769 - 20 December 1785 (16 years 12 days) |
Son |
|
Anton Aloys | 20 December 1785 - 17 October 1831 (45 years 9 months 27 days) |
Son |
|
Karl | 17 October 1831 - 27 August 1848 (16 years 10 months 10 days) |
Son |
|
Karl Anton | 27 August 1848 - 2 June 1885 (36 years 9 months 6 days) |
Son |
|
Leopold | 2 June 1885 – 8 June 1905 (20 years 6 days) |
Son |
|
Wilhelm | 8 June 1905 – 22 October 1927 (22 years 4 months 14 days) |
Son |
|
Friedrich | 22 October 1927 – 6 February 1965 (37 years 3 months 15 days) |
Son |
|
Friedrich Wilhelm | 6 February 1965 – 16 September 2010 (45 years 7 months 10 days) |
Son |
|
Karl Friedrich | 16 September 2010 - (Reigning) |
Son |