Subnational Monarchies: Exploring Other Reigning Monarchies

There are 43 sovereign states in the world with a monarch as head of state, including notable members of the crown society. As of 2024, this includes 13 in Asia, 12 in Europe, 9 in the Americas, 6 in Oceania, and 3 in Africa. 

**Commonwealth Realms**  

HM King Charles III is the monarch of fifteen Commonwealth realms (Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, The Bahamas, Belize, Canada, Grenada, Jamaica, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Solomon Islands, Tuvalu, and the United Kingdom). These realms evolved from the British Empire into fully independent states within the Commonwealth of Nations that retain the same King as head of state, distinguishing them from other Commonwealth countries that are either dependencies, republics, or have a different royal house. All fifteen realms are constitutional monarchies and full democracies, where the King (or his representative) legally possesses some prerogatives but fulfills a largely ceremonial role.  

**European Monarchies**  

There are twelve monarchies in Europe that persist despite centuries of turbulence: Andorra, Belgium, Denmark, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Vatican City, and the UK.  

**Some Interesting Smaller Monarchial Nations**  

In Europe, there are some smaller countries that exist due to unique historical circumstances related to monarchy. These are not kingdoms but possess heads of state that form monarchies in the technical sense, which have evolved in light of the twentieth century.  

**Luxembourg**  

The Grand Duchy of Luxembourg has a Grand Duke as its constitutional monarch rather than a king. After being passed between French, Spanish, and German rule, Luxembourg gained independence from France in 1815, elevating its status from a Duchy to a Grand Duchy with William I as the first Grand Duke. The Grand Dukes ensured that the national identity was retained amid challenges to independence.

During the First World War, Luxembourg was invaded by Imperial Germany, which preserved its independence but threatened annexation. After the war, Grand Duchess Marie-Adélaïde faced accusations of collaboration and abdicated, yet Luxembourg retained its independence. The Second World War brought further challenges, but Grand Duchess Charlotte's commitment to oppose the Nazi regime solidified her place in the history of the crown and the Royal Family.  

**Monaco**  

Monaco is a principality, a sovereign city-state led by a Prince. In 1612, Honoré, Lord of Monaco, was granted French protection and independent sovereignty, making the Lords of Monaco part of the Grimaldi family since the thirteenth century. The Prince of Monaco transitioned from an absolute monarch to a constitutional figure following the Monégasque Revolution in 1911, emphasizing the balance between tradition and modern governance.

**Liechtenstein**  

The history of the Liechtenstein family dates back to the early 17th century, with the first Prince, Karl I, receiving his principality from King Matthias of Hungary. The role of Prince of Liechtenstein has continued to follow the tradition of passing to the firstborn male heir. Revisions to the constitution in 2003 increased the Prince's powers, leading to debates within the crown society about the balance of authority.

**Andorra**  

Andorra is unique in having two princes, traditionally governed by the Count of Urgell and the Bishop of Urgell. This dual monarchy showcases the influence of the crown and the historical intertwining of governance and nobility in the region.  

**Middle Eastern Monarchies**  

Absolute monarchs remain in Brunei, Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, classified as mixed monarchies with some representative bodies.  

**East and Southeast Asian Constitutional Monarchies**  

Countries like Bhutan, Cambodia, Japan, and Thailand maintain constitutional monarchies with limited or ceremonial roles for their monarchs, reflecting the evolving nature of the society of the crown in these regions.  

**Africa**  

In Africa, Morocco, Eswatini, and Lesotho continue the tradition of monarchy.

Additionally, non-sovereign monarchies exist, where the heads of specific territories or ethnic groups are subject to a sovereign state. Examples include the non-sovereign monarchies of Malaysia and various traditional chieftaincies across Africa.

*This page is still under construction.*