A Tale of Two Louis: The Longest and Shortest Reigns in History

Did you know that the record holders for the world’s longest and shortest reigning sovereign rulers in world history were both kings of France, and were both named Louis? Ruling 115 years apart, King Louis XIV and King Louis XIX experienced vastly different reigns, one lasting over 72 years, and the other a mere 20 minutes. 

A Lifetime on the Throne: Louis XIV, the Sun King

King Louis XIV ruled France for 72 years and 110 days, from the age of 4 until his death in 1715 at 76 years old. Known as the “Sun King,” a name he gave himself to emphasize his power, Louis XIV was one of the most influential rulers in French history. He is known for significantly increasing France’s power in Europe during his reign. He is most famous today for transforming the celebrated Palace of Versailles, turning it from a royal hunting lodge in a small village into the center of the French government and an icon of Baroque-style architecture. Today, it is one of France’s most renowned and visited historical sites.

A Reign in the Blink of an Eye: Louis XIX and the 20-Minute Throne 

Conversely, Louis XIX, more commonly known by his birth title, Louis-Antoine of France, Duke of Angoulême, born in 1775, became France’s shortest-lived king after the abdication of his father, Charles X, in August 1830. Charles had ruled the nation for around six years. An extremely unpopular monarch, King Charles spent his reign trying to restore the French monarchy to its pre-revolutionary power, stripping the people of their rights. This led to the July Revolution, an uprising that ended with his overthrow and forced abdication. Moments later, his son and heir, Louis, added his own signature to the same document and abdicated the throne he had just inherited. During that brief interval, he was technically King of France for 20 minutes. A reign that lasted the length of a sitcom episode!

An article by August Thigpen