Buzz
Infants are undeniably charming, but are they capable of leading nations? Explore the intriguing tales of history's youngest sovereigns and their time in power.
1. King Oyo // Toro Kingdom, Uganda
In 1995, Oyo made history as the world's youngest monarch at just 3 years old. During his coronation, the young king slipped off the throne, dashed away, and sought comfort in his mother's arms. Today, he governs with greater ease, presiding over the Toro Kingdom in southwestern Uganda, home to 2 million people. Now 27, he manages a cabinet and focuses primarily on cultural responsibilities.
2. Emperor Puyi // China
China's final emperor was also one of its youngest. Puyi ascended to the throne in 1908 at just 2 years old. During his coronation, the frightened child had to be carried to the throne by his father, kicking, screaming, and crying throughout the ceremony. By the age of 6, a revolution had overthrown the Chinese dynasty, ending his rule.
3. Pōmare III // Tahiti
While some infants play with toys, Pōmare III made history. He became King of Tahiti in 1821 at only 17 months old. His mother served as regent during his brief reign, which ended tragically when he died at 5 from an unknown illness. His 14-year-old sister succeeded him and ruled for the next five decades.
4. Henry VI // England
Henry VI was the infant monarch of two nations. At just 8 months old in 1422, he became England's youngest king, and two months later, he was crowned King of France. However, his French reign was short-lived, as Joan of Arc aided the French in reclaiming their land by 1429. England's defeat in the Hundred Years' War followed, and Henry eventually suffered a mental breakdown. After recovering, he faced the War of the Roses, ending up on the losing side once more. At 43, he was imprisoned in the Tower of London, where he died.
5. Sobhuza II // Swaziland
Sobhuza II was crowned King of Swaziland at just 4 months old, long before he could walk. His reign lasted an impressive 82 years. During his rule, Swaziland gained independence from Britain in 1968. That same year, he contributed to drafting a constitution, only to abolish it in 1973, becoming an absolute monarch. He passed away leaving behind nearly 70 wives.
6. Emperor Shang of Han // China
Shang of Han ascended to the Chinese throne in 105 C.E. at just 100 days old, making him one of the youngest emperors in history. His reign lasted only a year before his 12-year-old cousin succeeded him.
7. Tsar Ivan VI // Russia
Ivan VI was named Tsar of Russia at just 2 months old, but his reign was short-lived. After only a year, Elizaveta Petrovna overthrew him and his regents in 1741. Ivan spent the next two decades in solitary confinement, shuffled between various fortresses. At 23, he was killed by his prison guards.
8. Mary, Queen of Scots // Scotland
Mary's rule was bookended by two infant kings. Her father, James, became king at 17 months, and her son, also named James, ascended to the throne at 13 months. Mary, however, outdid them both, becoming Queen of Scotland at just 6 days old. Sadly, she was compelled to relinquish the crown to her son at the age of 25.
9. John I // France
John I was crowned King of France on the day of his birth in 1316, following his father's death four months prior. Tragically, his reign lasted only five days, making it one of the shortest in history. His uncle Philip, who acted as regent, assumed the throne afterward, and some historians speculate that Philip may have poisoned the infant king.
10. Alfonso XIII // Spain
Alfonso XIII was born on May 17, 1886, and immediately became Spain's monarch. Despite a lifetime to prepare, his rule was marked by failure: Spain lost its final colonies, fell under a military dictatorship, and ultimately saw the monarchy dissolve. Alfonso relinquished his claim to the throne in 1941 after Francisco Franco seized power.
11. Shah Shapur II // Sassanid Empire
According to legend, in 309, Persian nobles crowned the unborn child of King Hormizd II's widow, making Shah Shapur II the first fetal king in history. He became the ninth ruler of the Sassanid Empire, a dominant Persian kingdom spanning modern-day Iran. Shapur II reigned for 70 years and, in the late 4th century, successfully eradicated Christianity from the Middle East.
