List of heads of former ruling families

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

These individuals may or may not claim titles associated with an abolished monarchy. Individuals who stake claims to monarchical titles but who are not part of former dynasties are not included. Note that a country may have multiple houses with a claim to the defunct position.

Africa

More information State, Head ...
StateHeadSinceHouseClaimSuccessionAbolitionRef(s)
Kingdom of Burundi Burundi Rosa Paula Iribagiza[af 1] 1 May 1977NtweroDaughter of Mwami Mwambutsa IV (1915–1966).Hereditary1966
Central African Empire Jean-Bédel Bokassa Jr. (Bokassa II) 3 November 1996BokassaHeir apparent and son of Emperor Bokassa I (1976–1979).[af 2]1979
Kingdom of Egypt Egypt Fuad II 18 June 1953[af 3]Muhammad AliLast reigning King (1952–1953).1953
Ethiopian Empire Ethiopia Zera Yacob Amha Selassie[af 4] 7 February 1997Solomon[af 5]Grandson of Emperor Haile Selassie I (1930–1974).Hereditary [af 6]1975
Girma Yohannes Iyasu[af 7] 1977Grandson of Emperor Iyasu V (1913–1916).[af 8]
Kingdom of Libya Libya Muhammad bin Hasan 18 June 1992SenussiGrandnephew of King Idris I (1951–1969).Hereditary1969
Kingdom of Rwanda Rwanda Emmanuel Bushayija (Yuhi VI) 9 January 2017[af 9]Abanyiginya[af 10]Nephew of Mwami Kigeli V Ndahindurwa (1959–1961).Hereditary and Elective[af 11]1961[6]
Sultanate of Zanzibar Zanzibar Ali III bin Jamshid Al Said 30 December 2024Al Bu Sa'idSon of Sultan Jamshid bin Abdullah (1963–1964).Hereditary1964
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Americas

More information State, Head ...
StateHeadSinceHouseClaimSuccessionAbolitionRef(s)
Brazil Bertrand 15 July 2022Orléans-Braganza[am 1]Great-great-grandson of Emperor Pedro II (1831–1889).Hereditary1889[7][8][9][10]
[11][12][13][14]
Pedro Carlos 27 December 2007
Mexico Mexico Carlos Felipe 6 September 2011 Habsburg-Lorraine Great-great-grandnephew of Emperor Maximilian I (1864–1867) 1867 [15][16][17][18]
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Asia

More information State, Head ...
StateHeadSinceHouseClaimSuccessionAbolitionRef(s)
Afghanistan Afghanistan Muhammad Zahir Khan 4 June 2024BarakzaiGrandson of King Zahir Shah (1933–1973).[as 1]Hereditary1973
Burma Soe Win 12 January 2019 Konbaung Great-grandson of Thibaw Min (1878–1885) 1885 [19][20]
Champasak Keo Champhonesak 17 March 1980 Khun Lo Grandson of last ruling King Ratsadanay (1900–1904) 1904 [21][22]
China China Jin Yuzhang 10 April 2015Aisin GioroGreat-great-grandson of the Daoguang Emperor (1820–1850)
Nephew of the Xuantong Emperor (1908–1912; 1932–1945)		1912
(Qing dynasty)
1945
(Manchukuo)		[23][24]
Iran (Pahlavi) Reza 27 July 1980PahlaviHeir apparent and son of Shah Mohammad Rezā (1941–1979).[as 2]1979
Iran (Qajar) Mohammad Hassan Mirza II 5 May 1988QajarGreat-grandson of Shah Mohammad Ali (1907–1909).1925
 Iraq Ra'ad bin Zeid 18 October 1970Hāshim[as 3]Relative of King Faisal II (1939–1958).[as 4]1958
Johor (Singapore) Tengku Muhammad Shawal 27 March 2009Bendahara4th-great-grandson of Sultan Hussein Shah (1819–1835).1824 [26]
Korea Yi Won[as 5] 16 July 2005 Yi[as 6] Great-grandson of Emperor Gojong (1897–1907).
Grandnephew of Emperor Sunjong (1907–1910).		 1910 [27][28][29][30]
Andrew Lee[as 7] Between 9 December 2021 and 17 January 2022[as 8] Declared successor by Yi Seok, who is a grandson of Emperor Gojong (1897–1907) and nephew of Emperor Sunjong (1907–1910). [31][33][34]
Laos Laos Soulivong Savang 19 September 1997[as 9]Khun LoGrandson of King Sisavang Vatthana (1959–1975).1975
Ottoman Empire Harun Osman Osmanoğlu 18 January 2021OsmanGreat-grandson of Sultan Abdul Hamid II (1876–1909).[as 10] 1922
Riau-Lingga Tengku Hendra Syafri Riayat Syah Between 2 May 2012 and 2022[as 11]Bendahara5th-great-grandson of Sultan Abdul Rahman Muazzam Shah (1830–1832).1911 [36][37][38][39]
Ryūkyū Mamoru Shō 30 August 1996ShōGreat-great-grandson of King Shō Tai (1848–1879).1879[40]
 Sarawak Jason Desmond Anthony Brooke 27 May 2017BrookeGreat-grandnephew of Rajah Vyner (1917–1946).1946[41]
Sulu Muedzul Lail Tan Kiram 16 February 1986KiramSon of Sultan Mohammed Mahakuttah Abdullah Kiram (1974–1986).1915 [42]
Syria Ra'ad bin Zeid 18 October 1970HāshimHalf-nephew of King Faisal I (1920).1920
Vietnam Bao Ngoc 15 March 2017Nguyen PhucEldest son of Emperor Duy Tân (1907–1916)1945[43]
Yemen Yemen Ageel bin Muhammad 6 August 1996RassidEldest son of King Muhammad al-Badr (1962).[as 12]1962
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India and Pakistan

More information State, Head ...
StateHeadSinceHouseClaimSuccessionAbolitionRef(s)
Alipura Manvendra Singh Parihar Grandson of last ruling Rao Bahadur Raja Raghuraj Singh Hereditary 1950 [44][45][46]
Alwar Jitendra Singh 15 February 2009 Kachhwaha Grandson of last ruling Maharaja Tej Singh Prabhakar 1949 [47]
Amb Salahuddin Saeed Khan Tanoli Tanoli Grandson of last ruling Nawab Muhammad Farid Khan 1969 [48]
Bahawalpur Nawab Salahuddin Abbasi 14 April 1988 Abbasi Grandson of last ruling Nawab Sadeq Mohammad Khan V 1955 [49]
Balasinor Salauddin Khan Babi 25 January 2018 Babi Son of last ruling Nawab Muhammad Salabat Khan 1949 [50][51]
Bamra Nitesh Ganga Deb 1997 Grandson of last ruling Raja Bhanuganga Tribhuban Deb 1948 [52]
Baramba Tribikram Chandra Deb Birabara Mangaraj Mahapatra 1979 Grandson of last ruling Raja Narayan Chandra Birabara Mangaraj Mohapatra [53]
Baria Tushar Singh 14 February 2015 Grandson of last ruling Maharawal Jaydeep Singh [54][55]
Baroda Samarjitsinh Gaekwad 2012 Gaekwad Great-grandson of last ruling Maharaja Pratap Singh Rao Gaekwad 1949 [56]
Barwani Manvendra Singh 2007 Sisodia Son of last ruling Maharana Devi Singh 1948 [57][58]
Bastar Kamal Chandra Bhanj Deo 1996 Bhanj Grand nephew of last ruling Maharaja Pravir Chandra Bhanj Deo [59]
Benares Anant Narayan Singh 25 December 2000 Narayan Son of last ruling Maharaja Vibhuti Narayan Singh [60]
Bengal and Murshidabad Abbas Ali Meerza 13 August 2014 Najafi Nephew of Nawab Waris Ali Mirza 1884 [61]
Bharatpur Vishvendra Singh July 1995 Sinsiniwar Jat Son of last ruling Maharaja Brijendra Singh 1947 [62]
Bhavnagar Vijayrajsinhji Virbhadrasinhji Gohil 26 July 1994 Gohil Grandson of last ruling Maharaja Rao Krishna Kumarsinhji Bhavsinhji 1948 [63]
Bundi Vanshvardhan Singh 2 April 2022 Hada Chauhan 1949 [64]
Bhopal Saif Ali Khan 22 September 2011 Khan Grandson of last ruling Nawab Hamidullah Khan 1949 [65]
Bushahr Vikramaditya Singh 10 July 2021 Son of last ruling Raja Virbhadra Singh 1948 [66]
Carnatic Sultanate Muhammed Abdul Ali 4 July 1993 Son of Prince Ghulam Mohammed Abdul Khader of Arcot 1855 [67]
Chamba Prem Singh 21 May 1971 Mosana Son of last ruling Raja Lakshman Singh 1948 [68][69]
Charkhari Jayant Singh 1977 Bundela Son of last ruling Maharaja Jayendra Singh 1947 [70]
Chhatarpur Kunwar Vikram Singh 2006 Parmar Grandson of last ruling Maharaja Bhavani Singh Bahadur 1950 [71][72]
Chhota Udaipur Jai Pratap Sinhji 2005 Chauhan Son of last ruling Maharawal Virendrasinhji 1948 [73]
Chitral Fateh-ul-Mulk Ali Nasir 20 October 2011 Katur Son of last ruling Mehtar Muhammad Saif ul-Mulk Nasir 1969 [74]
Chuda Krishnakumarsinhji 1999 Jhala Son of last ruling Thakore Shri Dharmendrasinhji 1948 [75][76][77]
Danta Riddhiraj Singh 16 July 2023 Parmar Great-Grandson of last ruling Maharana Bhavanisinhji [78][79][80]
Datia Arunaditya Singh Judeo April 2020 Bundela Great-great-grandson of last ruling Maharaja Govind Singh Judeo 1950 [81][82]
Dewas Senior Vikram Singh Rao II Puar 19 June 2015 Puar Grandson of last ruling Maharaja Krishnajirao III 1948 [83]
Dhenkanal Kamakhya Prasad Singh Deo August 1965 Son of last ruling Raja Shankar Pratap Singh Dev [84]
Dholpur Dushyant Singh 2015 Bamraulia Grandson of last ruling Maharaja Udaybhanu Singh 1949 [85]
Dhrangadhra Sodhsalji Mayurdhwajsinhji 1 August 2010 Jhala Son of last ruling Maharaja Meghrajji III 1948 [86][87][88]
Dhrol Padmarajsinhji Jadeja Great-great-grandson of Thakore Saheb Shri Harisinhji Jaisinhji (1886-1914) [79][77][89]
Dungarpur Harshvardhan Singh 19 August 2023 Sisodia Grandson of last ruling Maharawal Laxman Singh 1947 [90][91]
Faridkot Amarinder Singh Brar 2017 Brar Grand-nephew of last ruling Maharaja Harinder Singh Brar 1948 [92][93]
Gondal Himanshusinhji 31 January 2022 Jadeja Great-grandson of last ruling Maharaja Thakur Sahib Bhojrajji Bhagwatsimhji 1949 [94]
Gwalior Jyotiraditya Scindia 2001 Scindia Grandson of last ruling Maharaja Jivajirao Scindia 1948 [95]
Hunza Ghazanfar Ali Khan 18 March 1976 Son of last ruling Mir Muhammad Jamal Khan 1974 [96][97][98][99]
Hyderabad Azmet Jah 14 January 2023 Asaf Jah Great-grandson of last Nizam Osman Ali Khan 1948 [100]
Raunaq Yar Khan 2 March 2023 Great-grandson of Nizam Sir Mir Mahboob Ali Khan, the VIth Nizam of Hyderabad. Democratically elected by the largest faction of the extended Asaf Jahi family, represented by the Majlis-E-Sahebzadagan Society (MESS). [101][102][103]
Idar Rajendra Singh 1992 Rathore Grandson of last ruling Maharaja Himmat Singh [104][105]
Indore Usha Devi Holkar 1961 Holkar Daughter of last ruling Maharaja Yashwant Rao Holkar II [106]
Jaipur Padmanabh Singh 2011 Kachwaha Great-grandson of last ruling Maharaja Man Singh II [107]
Jaisalmer Chaitanya Raj Singh 28 December 2020 Bhati Great-great-grandson of last ruling Maharawal Jawahir Singh 1947 [108][109]
Jammu and Kashmir Karan Singh April 1961 Dogra Son of last ruling Maharaja Hari Singh 1952 [110]
Janjira Shah Mahmud Khan 1 April 1972 Siddi Son of last ruling Nawab Sidi Muhammad Khan 1948 [111]
Jasdan Satyajitkumar Khachar 1989 Grandson of last ruling Darbar Saheb Shri Ala Khachar [112][113][114]
Jashpur Ranvijay Singh Judev 4 October 1982 Chauhan Grandson of last ruling Raja Vijay Bushan Singh Judeo [115]
Jhabua Narendra Singh 2002 Rathore Grandson of last ruling Raja Dilip Singh [116][117][118]
Jhalawar Chandrajit Singh 24 April 2004 Jhala Grandson of last ruling Maharaj Rana Harisch Chandra Singh 1949 [119][120]
Jind Satbir Singh 7 September 1959 Phulkian Grandson of last ruling Maharaja Ranbir Singh 1948 [121]
Jodhpur Gaj Singh II 26 January 1952 Rathore Son of last ruling Maharaja Hanwant Singh 1947 [122]
Junagadh Mohammad Ali Murtaza Khanji 20 July 2023 Babi Great-Grandson of last ruling Nawab Muhammad Mahabat Khan III 1948 [123]
Kalahandi Anant Pratap Deo 2 September 2019 Nagvanshis Grandson of last ruling Maharaja Pratap Keshari Deo [124]
Kalat Suleman Daud 1998 Ahmadzai Grandson of last ruling Khan Mir Ahmad Yar Khan [125]
Kangra-Lambagraon Aishwarya Chand Katoch 30 December 2021 Katoch 1947 [126][127]
Kapurthala Sukhjit Singh 1955 Ahluwalia Grandson of last ruling Maharaja Jagatjit Singh [128]
Karauli Krishan Chandra Pal 1984 Jadon Grandson of last ruling Maharaja Ganeshapal 1949 [129][130]
Keonjhar Dhananjay Bhanj Deo 1 December 2019 Bhanj Grand-nephew of last ruling Raja Balabhadra Narayana Bhanja Deo 1948 [131]
Khairpur George Ali Murad Khan II 10 November 1954 Talpur Last ruling Mir 1955 [132]
Khilchipur Priyavrat Singh 31 July 2006 Chauhan Grandson of last ruling Raja Yashodar Singh 1948 [71]
Kishangarh Brajraj Singh 16 February 1971 Rathore Son of last ruling Maharaja Sumar Singh 1947 [133]
Kolhapur Shahu II 1983 Bhonsle Son of last ruling Maharaja Shahaji II 1949 [134]
Kota Ijyaraj Singh 29 January 2022 Chauhan Grandson of last ruling Maharaja Bhim Singh II 1948 [135]
Kutch Hanvantsinhji 28 May 2021 Jadeja Son of last ruling Maharaja Madansinhji [136]
Kutlehar Budhishwar Pal 4 August 2014 Son of last ruling Raja Sahib Sri Mahendrapal 1947 [137]
Lakhtar Balbhadrasinhji 1970 Jhala Son of last ruling Thakore Saheb Shri Indrasinhji [138][139]
Las Bela Jam Kamal Khan 3 February 2013 Grandson of last ruling Jam Ghulam Qadir Khan 1955 [140]
Limbdi Jaideepsinhji 25 January 2020 Jhala Son of last ruling Thakore Saheb Shri Chhatarsalji 1947 [141][77][89]
Loharu Ala-uddin Ahmad Khan II 12 June 1983 Son of last ruling Nawab Amin ud-din Ahmad Khan 1947 [142]
Maihar Akshayraj Singh Kachhwaha 1948 [143]
Manipur Leishemba Sanajaoba 1996 Grandson of last ruling Maharaja Bodhchandra Singh 1949 [144]
Mayurbhanj Praveen Chandra Bhanj Deo 15 September 2000 Bhanj Grandson of last ruling Maharaja Pratap Chandra Bhanj Deo [145]
Mewar Lakshyaraj Singh 2 April 2025 Sisodia Grandson of last Maharana Bhupal Singh 1948 [146]
Vishvaraj Singh 25 November 2024
Muli Jitendrasinhji Parmar Grandson of last ruling Thakore Saheb Shri Harischandrasinhji 1950 [147][89][148][149]
Mysore Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar 28 May 2015 Wadiyar Great-grandson of last ruling Maharaja Jayachamarajendra Wadiyar 1948 [150]
Nagar Qasim Ali Khan 2011 Maghlot Grandson of last ruling Mir Shaukat Ali Khan 1974 [151]
Narsinghgarh Rajyavardhan Singh 24 January 2019 Parmar Son of titular Maharaja Bhanu Prakash Singh 1948 [152]
Nawanagar Shatrusalyasinhji 3 February 1966 Jadeja Son of last ruling Maharaja Digvijaysinhji [153][154]
Nilgiri Jayant Chandra Mardaraj Harichandan 30 May 2001 Bhanj [155][156][157]
Oudh Sahibzada Shahanshah Mirza 28 January 2022 Awadh Great-Great-Grandson of Wajid Ali Shah 1859 [158][159]
Panna Chhatrasal II 29 January 2023 Bundela Great-great-grandson of last ruling Maharaja Yadvendra Singh Judeo 1950 [160][161][162]
Pataudi / Bhopal Saif Ali Khan 22 September 2011 Pataudi Grandson of last ruling Nawab Iftikhar Ali Khan Pataudi 1948 [163]
Patialia Amarinder Singh June 1974 Phulkian Son of last Maharaja Yadavindra Singh [164]
Patna Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo 2004 Chauhan Grandson of last ruling Maharaja Rajendra Narayan Singh Deo [165]
Phaltan Ramraje Pratapsinh 2004 Naik Nimbalkar Grandson of last ruling Raja Shrimant Sir Malojirao Naik-Nimbalkar [166]
Pratapgarh Jai Singh Sisodia 29 November 2017 Sisodia Grandson of last ruling Maharawat Ram Singh Sisodia 1949 [167]
Pudukkottai R. Rajagopala Tondaiman 16 January 1997 Tondaiman Nephew of last ruling Raja Rajagopala Tondaiman 1948 [168][169]
Puri/Khurda Kingdom Dibyasingha Deba 7 July 1970 Bhoi Grandson of last colonial-era Gajapati Maharaja Ramchandra Deva IV 1947 [170][171][172]
Raghogarh Digvijaya Singh 1967 Son of last ruling Raja Balbhadra Singh 1947 [72][173]
Rajkot Mandhatasinhji Jadeja 27 September 2018 Jadeja Grandson of last ruling Thakore Saheb Pradyumansinhji Lakhajirajsinhji 1948 [174]
Rajpipla Raghubir Singh 2 February 1963 Gohil Grandson of last ruling Maharana Vijaysinhji 1948 [175]
Rampur Muhammad Kazim Ali Khan 5 April 1992 Rohilla Grandson of last ruling Nawab Raza Ali Khan 1947 [176]
Rewa Pushparaj Singh 20 November 1995 Baghel Son of last ruling Maharaja Martand Singh [177][178]
Sachin Mohammad Reza Khan Siddi Descendant of last ruling Nawab Sidi Mohammad Haydar Khan 1948 [179][180][181]
Sailana Vikram Singh 1990 Rathore Grandson of last ruling Raja Dileep Singh [182][183]
Sangli Vijay Singh Madhavrao Patwardhan 9 March 1965 Sangli Son of last ruling raja Chintamanrao Dhundirao Patwardhan 1948 [184]
Santrampur Paranjay Aditya Sinhji 1991 Parmar Son of Maharana Krishna Kumar Sinhji 1950 [185][186][187]
Sikkim Wangchuk Namgyal 29 January 1982NamgyelSon of Chogyal Palden Thondup Namgyal (1963–1975).1975[188]
Sirmur Lakshyaraj Prakash May 2013 Prakash Great-grandson of last ruling Maharaja Rajendra Prakash 1948 [189]
Sirohi Raghuveer Singh 1998 Chauhan 1949 [190]
Surguja T. S. Singh Deo 2001 Raksel Great-grandson of last ruling Maharaja Ramanuj Saran Singh Deo 1948 [191][115]
Talcher Rajendra Chandra Deb Kachhwaha [192][193]
Tehri Garhwal Manujendra Shah Sahib Bahadur 7 January 2007 Parmar Son of last ruling Maharaja Manabendra Shah 1949 [194]
Thanjavur Babaji Rajah Bhonsle Chattrapathi 1985 Bhonsle 6th generation descendant of Raja Serfoji II (1787–1832) 1855 [195][196][197][198]
Tigiria Bir Pratap Singh Deo 1 December 2015 Son of last ruling Raja Brajraj Mahapatra 1948 [199]
Tonk Aftab Ali Khan 4 September 1994 Salarzai 1949 [200]
Travancore Moolam Thirunal Rama Varma 16 December 2013 Venad Swaroopam Nephew of last ruling Maharaja Chithira Thirunal Balarama Varma 1949 [201]
Tripura Pradyot Bikram Manikya Deb Barma 28 November 2006 Manikya Son of last ruling Maharaja Kirit Bikram Kishore Deb Barman [202]
Wadhwan Chaitanya Dev Sinhji Jhala Grandson of last ruling Thakur Sahib Joravar Sinhji 1948 [203][204][205]
Wankaner Kesridevsinh Jhala 4 April 2021 Great-grandson of last ruling Maharana Raj Sahib Amarsinhji Banesinhji 1947 [206]
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Nepal

Nepal's numerous small monarchies were collectively abolished by the federal government on 7 October 2008. At the time, the thrones of both Salyan and Jajarkot had been vacant since the deaths of Rajas Gopendra Bahadur and Prakash Bikram respectively (both in 2003), and have remained vacant.

More information State, Head ...
StateHeadSinceHouseClaimSuccessionAbolitionRef(s)
Nepal Nepal Gyanendra 28 May 2008[as 13]Shah[as 14]Last reigning Maharajdhiraja (2001–2008).Hereditary2008[207]
Bajhang Vinod Bahadur 7 October 2008[as 15]Last reigning Raja (1989–2008).Hereditary[as 16][208]
Mustang Jigme Singe Palbar Bista 16 December 2016 Lo Son of last ruling King Jigme Dorje Palbar Bista Hereditary [209]
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South Yemen

More information State, Head ...
StateHeadSinceHouseClaimSuccessionAbolitionRef(s)
Qu'aiti Ghalib II 17 September 1967 al-Qu'aiti Last ruling Sultan (1966–1967) Hereditary 1967 [210][211][212]
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Thailand

More information State, Head ...
StateHeadSinceHouseClaimSuccessionAbolitionRef(s)
Chiang Mai Wongsak Na Chiangmai 1989ThipphachakGrandson of Kaew Nawarat (1910–1939), the last King of Lan Na and Prince Ruler of Chiang MaiHereditary1939[213]
Lamphun [th] Watthanan Na Lamphun 21 February 1995 Grandson of last Prince Ruler Chakkham Khachonsak (1911–1943) 1943 [214][215][216]
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Europe

Source[217]

More information State, Head ...
StateHeadSinceHouseClaimSuccessionAbolitionRef(s)
Achaea Constantine 2017Zaccaria de Damalà14th and 13th-great-grandson of the last two Princes of Achaea, Centurione II Zaccaria (1404–1432) and John Asen Zaccaria (1453–1454). Hereditary1432/1454[218]
Albania Albania Leka 30 November 2011ZoguGrandson of King Zog I (1928–1939).1939 de facto
1944 de jure
Austria-Hungary (more) Karl 4 July 2011[eu 1]Habsburg-Lorraine[eu 2]Grandson of Emperor and King Charles I & IV (1916–1918).[eu 3] 1918 [219]
 Bulgaria Simeon II 15 September 1946[eu 4]Saxe-Coburg and Gotha-Koháry[eu 5]Last reigning Tsar (1943–1946). 1946
France (Legitimist) Louis Alphonse 30 January 1989Bourbon[eu 6]9th-great-grandson of King Louis XIV (1643–1715). 1830 [220]
France France (Orléanist-Unionist) Jean 21 January 2019Orléans[eu 7]4th-great-grandson of King Louis Philippe I (1830–1848).1848 [221][222]
France France (Bonapartist) Charles 3 May 1997[eu 8]BonaparteGreat-great-grandnephew of Emperor Napoleon I (1804–1814, 1815).1870 [223][224]
Jean-Christophe Great-great-great-grandnephew of Emperor Napoleon I (1804-1814, 1815).
Georgia (country) Georgia David 16 January 2008 Mukhrani[as 17] 13th-great-grandson of King Constantine II (1478–1505). 1801
Ana 1 March 2025 Gruzinsky[as 17] 4th-great-granddaughter of King George XII (1798–1800).
 Greece Pavlos 10 January 2023De GrèceSon and heir apparent of King Constantine II (1964–1973). 1973
Lithuania Lithuania Inigo 9 February 1991Urach[225]Grandson of King Mindaugas II (1918). 1918 [226]
 Montenegro Nicholas 24 March 1986Petrović-NjegošGreat-grandson of King Nicholas I (1910–1918). 1918
Portugal Portugal Duarte Pio 24 December 1976Braganza[eu 9]Great-grandson of King Miguel I (1828–1834). 1910
 Romania Margareta[eu 10] 5 December 2017Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen[eu 11]Daughter of King Michael I (1927–1930 and 1940–1947). 1947 [227]
Paul-Philippe 27 January 2006 Grandson of King Carol II (1930–1940).
Russia Maria Vladimirovna 21 April 1992Romanov[eu 12]Great-great-granddaughter of Emperor Alexander II (1855–1881).[eu 13]
Recognised by Russian Orthodox Church.[228]		 1917
Nicholas Kirillovich 1 June 2013Great-great-great-grandson of Emperor Alexander II (1855–1881).
Alexis Andreevich 28 November 2021 Great-great-great-grandson of Emperor Nicholas I (1825–1855).[eu 13]
 Serbia Alexander 3 November 1970KarađorđevićGreat-grandson of King Peter I (1903–1918) 1918 [229]
 YugoslaviaSon and heir apparent of King Peter II[eu 14] (1934–1945) 1945 [229]
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Germany

See also: Mediatised houses

Source[217]

More information State, Head ...
StateHeadSinceHouseClaimAbolitionRef(s)
Empire
/ Brandenburg-Prussia/Germany Georg Friedrich 26 September 1994HohenzollernGreat-great-grandson of Kaiser Wilhelm II (1888–1918).Hereditary1918 [230][231]
Kingdoms
 Bavaria Franz 8 July 1996WittelsbachGreat-grandson of King Ludwig III (1913–1918).
Also heir to the Jacobite succession.[232]		Hereditary1918
 Hanover Ernst August 9 December 1987Hanover[eu 15]Great-great-grandson of King Georg V (1851–1866).1866[233]
 Saxony Daniel 29 March 2022Wettin[eu 16]Great-great-grandson of King Frederick Augustus III (1904–1918).[234]1918
Alexander 23 July 2012Saxe-Gessaphe[eu 17]Great-grandson of King Frederick Augustus III (1904–1918).
 Württemberg Wilhelm 7 June 2022WürttembergRelative of King William II (1891–1918).
6th-great-grandson of Duke Frederick II Eugene (1795–1797).[235]		1918
Grand Duchies
 Baden Bernhard 29 December 2022ZähringenGreat-great-great-grandson of Grand Duke Leopold I (1830–1852).[236]Hereditary1918
Hesse and by Rhine Donatus 23 May 2013HesseRelative of Grand Duke Ernst Ludwig (1892–1918).1918
Mecklenburg-Strelitz Borwin 26 January 1996Mecklenburg[eu 18]Great-great-great-grandson of Grand Duke Georg (1816–1860).1918
Oldenburg Christian 20 September 2014Holstein-Gottorp[eu 19]Great-grandson of Grand Duke Frederick Augustus II (1900–1918).1918
Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach Michael 14 October 1988Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach[eu 5]Grandson of Grand Duke William Ernest (1901–1918).1918
Electorates
Hesse Donatus 23 May 2013HesseRelative of Prince-elector Frederick William (1847–1866).
5th-great-grandson of Landgrave Frederick II (1760–1785).		Hereditary1866
Duchies
Anhalt Eduard 9 October 1963AscaniaSon of Duke Joachim Ernst (1918).Hereditary1918
Brunswick Ernst August 9 December 1987Hanover[eu 15]Grandson of Duke Ernst August (1913–1918).1918
Saxe-Coburg-Gotha Hubertus 3 April 2025Saxe-Coburg and Gotha[eu 5]Great-grandson of Duke Charles Edward (1900–1918).[237]1918[238]
Saxe-Meiningen Konrad 4 October 1984Saxe-Meiningen[eu 5]Great-grandson of Duke Georg II (1866–1914).1918
Schleswig-Holstein Friedrich Ferdinand 27 September 2023Glücksburg[eu 20]Great-great-great-grandnephew of Duke Christian IX (1863–1864).[239]1866
Principalities
Hohenzollern[eu 21] Karl Friedrich 16 September 2010Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen[eu 11]Great-great-grandson of Prince Karl Anton (1848–1849).Hereditary1850[240]
Lippe Stephan 20 August 2015LippeGrandson of Prince Leopold IV (1905–1918).1918
Friedrich Wilhelm 15 June 1990Grandnephew of Prince Leopold IV (1905–1918).
Reuss[eu 22] Heinrich XIV 20 June 2012ReussRelative of Prince Heinrich XXVII (1913–1918).[eu 23]1918
Schaumburg-Lippe Alexander 28 August 2003LippeGrandnephew of Prince Adolf II (1911–1918).1918[241]
Waldeck and Pyrmont Carl-Anton 16 December 2024WaldeckGreat-grandson of Prince Friedrich (1893–1918).[242]1918[243]
Duchy of Pless Peter von Hochberg-Pless August 27 2022 Hochberg-Pless Cousin of Bolko von Hochberg-Pless who was the 6th Titular Duke of Pless 1922 [244]
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Italy

Source[217]

Until the mid-nineteenth century, the Italian peninsula comprised a number of states, some of which were monarchies. During the Italian unification, the monarchs of such agglomerated states lost their sovereignty and their titles became purely ceremonial. The resultant throne of the Kingdom of Italy was held by the former king of Sardinia.

More information State, Head ...
StateHeadSinceHouseClaimSuccessionAbolitionRef(s)
/ Piedmont–Sardinia/Italy Aimone 1 June 2021SavoyGreat-great-great-grandson of King Victor Emmanuel II (1861–1878).Hereditary1946[245][246]
Emanuele Filiberto 3 February 2024Grandson of King Umberto II (1946).
Pre-unification
Modena Lorenzo 7 February 1996Austria-Este[eu 2]Great-grandnephew of Franz Ferdinand, adopted heir of Duke Francis V (1846–1859).Hereditary1859[247]
 Parma Carlos 18 August 2010Bourbon-Parma[eu 7]Great-grandson of Duke Robert I (1854–1859).
Also one of the contested heirs to the Carlist succession.[248]		1859[249][250]
/Tuscany Sigismondo 18 June 1993Habsburg-Lorraine[eu 2]Great-great-grandson of Grand Duke Ferdinand IV (1859).1859[251]
Ottaviano 2001 Medici (di Ottajano) Descendant of the Neapolitan Medici Princes of Ottajano, declared heirs of Anna Maria Luisa de' Medici, Electress Palatine (1667–1743), last direct dynast of the main, Tuscan branch of the Medici family.1737 [252]
/Two Sicilies Joachim 26 November 1944 Murat 4th-great-grandson of King Joachim-Napoleon (1808–1815). 1815 [253]
Pedro 5 October 2015Bourbon-Two Sicilies[eu 24]Great-great-great-grandson of King Ferdinand II (1830–1859).1861
Carlo 20 March 2008
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Oceania

More information State, Head ...
StateHeadSinceHouseClaimAbolitionRef(s)
Hawaii Hawaiʻi Quentin Kawānanakoa 29 July 1997Kawānanakoa[oc 1]Great-grandson of David Kawānanakoa, advisor of Queen Liliʻuokalani (1891–1893).1893
Owana Salazar[oc 2] 19 September 1988Laʻanui[oc 3]5th-great-granddaughter of Kalokuokamaile, half-brother of King Kamehameha I (1795–1819).
Tahiti Léopold Pōmare[oc 4] Pōmare Descendant of Queen Pōmare IV (1827–1877). 1880 [258]
Teriʻihinoiatua Joinville Hinoiariki Pōmare XI[oc 5] 19 April 2023 Adopted member of the Pōmare family. 1880 [259]
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See also

Notes

Africa

  1. [1]
    As the last living sister and daughter of the last and second-to-last kings respectively, Princess Rosa Paula Iribagiza is considered the head of the royal household. According to the relevant laws of succession, however, the crown must pass to a male member of the family.
  2. [2]
    Jean-Bédel Bokassa was Crown Prince of the Central African Empire from its inception on 4 December 1976 until its abolition on 20 September 1979.
  3. [3]
    Fuad II previously reigned as King of Egypt and the Sudan during his infancy, from 26 July 1952 until the monarchy's official abolition in 1953. He reigned in absentia, and under a regent.
  4. [4]
    Designated heir presumptive by his grandfather the Emperor on 14 April 1974. Confirmed as heir apparent by his father Amha Selassie I on 6 April 1988. He has used the title of crown prince since 7 April 1989, when his father was proclaimed emperor-in-exile. He is recognised as heir to the throne by the Imperial Crown Council.
  5. [5]
    The Solomonic dynasty of Ethiopia claims descent from King Solomon of Israel, who belonged to the House of David. Both of the current claimants are from the House of Shoa, which represents the junior branch of the dynasty.
  6. [6]
    According to the 1955 Constitution,[1] the Emperor designated his successor from members of his own family, with the rule of primogeniture preferred but not necessarily followed. Candidates for the succession must be descendants of the Solomonic dynasty, in the male or female line. They must also be practising members of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, and their candidature must be approved by the Imperial Crown Council. If the Emperor has no direct descendants, or if the crown prince is unable to perform his dynastic duties, the Crown Council selects the successor from amongst the members of the Solomonic dynasty.
  7. [7]
    Lij Girma claims that all governments in Ethiopia since the 1916 deposition of his grandfather are illegitimate, and as such, as the seniormost descendant of Iyasu V, he claims to be the nation's rightful monarch.
  8. [8]
    Iyasu V was heir apparent of Menelik II and succeeded as Emperor upon the latter's death, but was never crowned. His reign was terminated with the sanction of the Church following allegations of conversion to Islam.
  9. [9]
    Emmanuel Bushayija was chosen on 9 January 2017[2] to succeed his paternal uncle Kigeli V Ndahindurwa, who was deposed on 28 January 1961.[3]
  10. [10]
    The royal Abanyiginya clan of Tutsis.[4]
  11. [11]
    The mwami is selected from amongst members of the various royal clans by the Abiru, a traditional council of Tutsi and Hutu elders.[5]

Americas

  1. [1]
    The imperial family of Brazil is descended from the Houses of Braganza and Orléans. The current line of succession is disputed between two branches: the Vassouras branch, headed by Prince Bertrand, and the Petrópolis branch, headed by Prince Pedro Carlos.

Asia

  1. [1]
    Ahmad Shah, second son of the last reigning king, was Crown Prince of Afghanistan from 26 November 1942 until the monarchy's end in 1973.
  2. [2]
    Rezā, eldest son of the last reigning shah, was Crown Prince of Iran from birth, on 31 October 1960, until the monarchy was deposed in 1979.
  3. [3]
    The name "Hashimites" refers to members of the Hāshim clan, a sept of the Quraysh tribe to which the Prophet Muhammad belonged.[25]
  4. [4]
    Ra'ad's father, Prince Zeid, was appointed Head of the Royal House of Iraq following the assassination of King Faisal II during the coup d'état in 1958. Zeid was the son of Hussein bin Ali, King of Hejaz.
  5. [5]
    Yi Ku appointed Yi Won, one of his first cousins once removed, as his heir in 10 July 2005 before his death.[27] The status of Yi Won as the leader of Jeonju Lee Royal Family Association, however, didn't become valid until 22 July 2005.[28] Yi Won later officially became the director of the family association on June 27, 2007.[29]
  6. [6]
    The House of Yi consists of the descendants of the Joseon dynasty.
  7. [7]
    Andrew Lee was adopted by a claimant to the head of the house, Yi Seok. Seok claimed that, in the will of late crown princess Yi Bangja, he was named as "first successor".[31] Since 2023, Andrew Lee was recognized as a king of the Joseon Cybernation by the government of Antigua and Barbuda.[32]
  8. [8]
    According to archives of Yi Seok's website, he abdicated to Andrew within that timeframe.
  9. [9]
    After the monarchy was abolished in 1975, the senior members of the royal family were imprisoned by the military. The deaths of the former King, Queen, and Crown Prince were confirmed by the Lao authorities on 17 December 1989. The dates of actual death were not released, but the current heir, who is the eldest son of the late Crown Prince, escaped imprisonment and arrived in Thailand on 3 August 1981. He was confirmed as the successor to his grandfather by the Royal Council in Exile on 19 September 1997.
  10. [10]
    The sultans of the Ottoman Empire also held the title Caliph of Islam, thus claiming to be the spiritual leaders of all Muslims. The Ottoman Caliphate was abolished by the Grand National Assembly of Turkey in 1924.[35]
  11. [11]
    Tengku Hendra Syafri Riayat Shah serves as the Yang Dipertuan Besar (Head) of the Perhimpunan Zuriat dan Kerabat Kesultanan Riau-Lingga (Association of Descendants and Relatives of the Riau-Lingga Sultanate), which was established on 2 May 2012. However, there is no clear, publicly recorded date in available Indonesian media sources indicating exactly when he was appointed to this position. Reports confirm that he had been serving as its head by at least 2022.
  12. [12]
    Many of the kings of the Qasimid dynasty also held the title Imam and Commander of the Faithful, and were the spiritual leaders of the Zaidiyyah branch of Shi'a Islam. The Imamate ended with the republican revolution in 1962.
  13. [13]
    Gyanendra reigned as King of Nepal between 7 November 1950 and 8 January 1951, and again from 4 June 2001 until the monarchy was abolished in 2008.
  14. [14]
    Members of the Shah dynasty of Nepal are descended from the Parmar clan of Rajputs from the former state of Narsinghgarh in modern India.
  15. [15]
    Binod is the eldest son of Princess Shanti Singh of Nepal (one of the ten people who died in the Nepalese royal massacre). Binod is also the Director of Hotel Sherpa.
  16. [16]
    Succession to the throne, whilst hereditary, is also subject to confirmation from the reigning King of Nepal.
  17. [17]
    A branch of the House of Bagrationi. During the partition of the kingdom in the 15th Century, the Bagratid dynasty split into two main lineages: the Mukhrani line of Kartli claiming the throne by virtue of being the genealogically senior line, and the Gruzinsky line of Kakheti claiming the throne by virtue of having produced the last reigning monarch. It is between these two lineages that the leadership of the Royal House of Georgia is now disputed. However, the current rival pretenders were married between 2009 and 2013 and had a son Giorgi, who is heir apparent to both claims, thus making their unification in the near future almost certain.

Europe

  1. [1]
    On 31 May 1961, Karl's father Otto renounced all claims to the Austrian throne in order to return from exile. He relinquished his position as head of the House of Habsburg to Karl on 1 January 2007.
  2. [2]
    A branch of the House of Lorraine cognatically descended from the House of Habsburg. The ducal family of Modena, which was historically descended from the House of Este, traditionally uses the name Austria-Este, which has continued to be adopted as a title by the current line.
  3. [3]
    The Austro-Hungarian monarch held the crowns of Austria and Hungary, and also reigned as King of Bohemia, King of Croatia, etc.
  4. [4]
    Simeon II reigned as Tsar of Bulgaria from 28 August 1943 until the monarchy was deposed in the Communist revolution of 1946. After returning to the country from exile in 1996, he later served as Prime Minister between 24 July 2001 and 17 August 2005.
  5. [5]
    A branch of the House of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, A sept of the Ernestine branch of the House of Wettin.
  6. [6]
    The House of Bourbon is a branch of the Capetian Dynasty.
  7. [7]
    A branch of the House of Bourbon.[eu 6]
  8. [8]
    Charles Napoléon is the current head of the House of Bonaparte. His son, Jean Christophe, was posthumously appointed heir to the imperial claim in the will of his grandfather, Louis Napoléon.
  9. [9]
    A branch of the House of Aviz.
  10. [10]
    Margareta's father Michael I reigned as King of Romania between 20 July 1927 and 8 June 1930, and again from 6 September 1940 until the monarchy's abolition during the Communist revolution of 1947. A rival claim to the throne is maintained by the descendants of Carol Lambrino, Michael's elder half-brother from his father's first marriage. Carol Lambrino's eldest son, Paul-Philippe, has maintained his claim to the throne since his father's death on 27 January 2006.
  11. [11]
    A line of the House of Hohenzollern.
  12. [12]
    The House of Romanov went extinct in agnatic line in 1762. The current Romanovs line of the House of Holstein-Gottorp, which itself is a branch of the House of Oldenburg. Nicholas Kirillovich's branch is a cadet branch of the House of Leiningen agnatically. Maria Vladimirovna's heir, George Mikhailovich, is agnatically part of the Hohenzollern family.
  13. [13]
    Full title: Emperor and Autocrat of All the Russias, used since 1721, although commonly designated Tsar. The emperors of Russia were also the Grand Dukes of Finland from 1809 until 1917, and the Kings of Poland from 1815 until 1916.
  14. [14]
    King Peter II of Yugoslavia was a grandson of King Peter I of Serbia.
  15. [15]
    The House of Hanover is a branch of the House of Welf, which itself is a branch of the House of Este.
  16. [16]
    The kings of Saxony belonged to the Albertine branch of the House of Wettin.
  17. [17]
    A branch of the non-European Gessaphe family Saxe-Gessaphe cognatically descended from the Wettin.[eu 16]
  18. [18]
    The royal family of Mecklenburg-Strelitz belongs to the Strelitz branch of the House of Mecklenburg.
  19. [19]
    A branch of the House of Oldenburg.
  20. [20]
    Officially the House of Schleswig-Holstein-Sonderburg-Glücksburg, which is a branch of the House of Oldenburg.
  21. [21]
    The principalities of Hohenzollern-Hechingen and Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen were created in 1576 from the partition of the territory of Hohenzollern. When the Hechingen lineage became extinct in 1869, the heirs of the Princes of Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen reclaimed the title Prince of Hohenzollern.
  22. [22]
    The territory of Reuss was partitioned between the sons of the reigning prince in 1564, eventually resulting in the principalities of Reuss Elder Line and Reuss Younger Line. The elder lineage expired in 1927 through the death of Heinrich XXIV (1902–1918), and inheritance passed to the junior line of Köstritz, whose heirs now claim the title Prince Reuss.
  23. [23]
    For details on the unusual numbering system of the Reuss-Köstritz lineage, see the main article.
  24. [24]
    This branch is known as the House of Bourbon-Two Sicilies.[eu 7] The right to succession is currently disputed between two branches of the family.

Oceania

  1. [1]
    The House of Kawānanakoa was a collateral line of succession of the reigning Kalākaua dynasty.[254] The penultimate king, Kalākaua, not having had any issue of his own, adopted and appointed the head of the Kawānanakoa as heirs after his own family line which ended with his sister, the last queen Liliʻuokalani. The House of Kawānanakoa is historically recognised as providing presumptive heirs to the throne should the monarchy be revived.
  2. [2]
    Noa Kalokuokamaile DeGuair is a descendant of the House of Kalokuokamaile, which was a collateral line of succession of the Kamehameha dynasty, the first line of Hawaiʻian kings. It became extinct in the male line during the time of the monarchy, and now survives through the female line as the House of Laʻanui.[255] The current descendants also belong to the Wilcox lineage of English and Italian descent. His claim on the throne is disputed.
  3. [3]
    The House of Laʻanui consists of maternal descendants of the House of Kalokuokamaile,[255] the seniormost branch of the chiefly House of Keōua Nui.[256] It descends from the eldest half-brother of Hawaiʻi's first king, Kamehameha the Great, who united the small chiefdoms of the Hawaiʻian Islands under the Kamehameha dynasty in 1810. When the male heirs of this lineage died out in 1872, it was replaced by the Kalākaua dynasty who ruled till 1893. It claims closer kinship to the kingdom's first dynasty while the Kawānanakoa line claims closer kinship to the kingdom's last dynasty.[257]
  4. [4]
    Recognised as the rightful heir to the Tahitian throne by a majority of the royal family's current members. He has migrated overseas, however, and currently[when?] lives in Paris.[258]
  5. [5]
    Recognised as the rightful heir to the Tahitian throne by some of the royal family's current members. He was crowned on 19 April 2023 in presence of 300 people, among them several Polynesian royals, and the Māori King Tūheitia Potatau Te Wherowhero VII.

References

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