Did you know that there are more than 45 monarchies left in the world at the time? This means 45 families are living utterly different from what you are experiencing now.
What makes the appearance of this monarchy fascinating is the fact that most of the ruling monarchs have no real power over their country.
Some countries are still monarchies where the King and Queen have full authority over the whole nation.
Here are the top 5 families of monarchies still active today.
1. Kingdom of Sweden
The Kingdom of Sweden was founded around 970 AD when the first monarch was Eric the Victorious. The current king is Carl XVI Gustaf, while the current heir to the throne is Victoria, Crown Princess of Sweden, who often cycles in the country.
Sweden generally recognizes Eric the Victorious as the first king of Sweden – he reigned from 970 to 995. Interestingly, according to Swedish legends, there are several kings, mythical kings, who ruled the country before Eric the Victorious.
Sweden is a constitutional and a hereditary monarchy with a parliamentary system, and the ruling monarch has no real political power.
In 1980, the government of the Swedish succession was transformed into absolute primogeniture. This means that the throne is passed on to the eldest reigning monarch, regardless of gender.
2. Kingdom of Denmark
The Kingdom of Denmark was founded around 935 AD when the first monarch was Gorm the Old. The current King is Margrethe II, while the current apparent heir is Frederik, Crown Prince of Denmark.
At present, Denmark is one of the most developed countries in Europe, and many say it has something to do with the way the country has been run in the past.
Originally Denmark was an elective monarchy, meaning that the choice of an heir was usually limited to the eldest son of the reigning monarch.
The current monarch of Denmark is Queen Margrethe II, who ascended the throne in 1972 after the death of her father – she was the first female monarch to rule since Margrethe I’s reign in 1375-1412.
3. Kingdom of Norway
The Kingdom of Norway was founded around 885 AD, with its first monarch Harald Fairhair. The present king is Harald V, while the current apparent heir is Crown Prince Haakon.
The Kingdom of Norway traditionally dates back its monarchy to 885 AD, after the Battle of Hafrsfjord, when Harald Fairhair united several minor kingdoms.
Since then, many royal dynasties have ruled Norway. Norway is a hereditary and constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary system.
Additionally, Norway is one of the best countries to live in Norway, according to numerous surveys.
Norway’s history has united the country with both Denmark and Sweden. However, in 1905 Norway gained independence and chose Haakon VII as its king: he was the first monarch of the House of Glücksburg.
4. British monarchy
British Monarchy is one of the oldest monarchies in the world. Founded in AD 871 or AD 1066, the British monarchy is one of the essential rules in the world.
The first-ever monarch was Alfred the Great or William the Conqueror, while the present ruling monarch is Elizabeth II, who is over 80 years now. The current apparent heir is his son Charles, Prince of Wales.
Charles is also known for his family drama starring Princess Diana. The start of the British monarchy is often difficult to date, as England was divided into seven powerful kingdoms with different rulers before 1066.
Historical records indicate that William the Conqueror invaded England from Normandy and was declared king of a united England. The current family descends directly from William the Conqueror.
Interestingly, Queen Elizabeth II is the longest-reigning British monarch, taking the throne in 1952, following the death of her father. Today the British Monarchy is a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary democracy.
Besides, the Royal Family is one of the most loved royal families today.
5. Kingdom of Morocco
The Kingdom of Morocco is standing in the north of Africa. This country is best known for its beauty, its blue city and its tourism. Founded by Idriss I (Idris ibn Abdallah), Morocco has become one of the most developed countries in Africa.
The current monarch is Mohammed VI, while the current heir is Prince Moulay Hassan. The Idrisids, who ruled Morocco from 788-971, is often credited with having founded the first Moroccan state.
The Alaouite Dynasty, Morocco’s current ruling family, rose to power in 1666. Over the years, the ruler of Morocco has used various titles such as the sultan, but since 1957 the designation king has been used.
Morocco is a constitutional monarchy with an elected parliament, and the throne is usually passed through the male heirs of the Alaouite family.
The King of Morocco has enormous executive and legislative power, especially in the military, foreign policy and religious affairs.
