Monarchs are individuals who hold a special place in the hearts of people worldwide. They are leaders who are born into positions of power and are often revered by their subjects. While many countries have abolished monarchies in recent years, there are still a few that continue to have monarchs. In this article, we will explore these countries and their respective monarchs.
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom is perhaps the most well-known country with a monarchy. Queen Elizabeth II has been on the throne since 1952 and is the longest-reigning monarch in British history. The royal family is a popular tourist attraction, with people from all over the world coming to see Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London, and other royal landmarks.
Spain
Spain is another country that still has a monarchy. King Felipe VI ascended to the throne in 2014 after his father, King Juan Carlos I, abdicated. The Spanish monarchy is a constitutional monarchy, meaning that the king or queen serves as a figurehead while the government handles most of the country's affairs.
Sweden
Sweden's monarchy is also a constitutional monarchy, with King Carl XVI Gustaf serving as the head of state. The Swedish royal family is known for its philanthropic work, with Princess Sofia and Prince Carl Philip actively involved in charity organizations.
Norway
Norway's monarchy is another constitutional monarchy, with King Harald V serving as the country's head of state. The Norwegian royal family is known for its support of environmental causes, with Crown Prince Haakon actively involved in promoting sustainability.
Denmark
Denmark's monarchy is also a constitutional monarchy, with Queen Margrethe II serving as the head of state. The Danish royal family is known for its support of the arts, with the queen herself being a talented painter and set designer.
Japan
Japan's monarchy is unique in that it is the oldest continuous hereditary monarchy in the world. Emperor Naruhito ascended to the throne in 2019 after his father, Emperor Akihito, abdicated. The Japanese royal family is known for its traditions and ceremonies, with the emperor and empress being highly respected figures in Japanese society.
Thailand
Thailand's monarchy is also a constitutional monarchy, with King Maha Vajiralongkorn serving as the head of state. The Thai royal family is known for its support of education and cultural preservation, with the king himself being an avid pilot and musician.
Belgium
Belgium's monarchy is another constitutional monarchy, with King Philippe serving as the head of state. The Belgian royal family is known for its support of scientific research, with Princess Elisabeth being a budding scientist herself.
Netherlands
The Netherlands' monarchy is also a constitutional monarchy, with King Willem-Alexander serving as the head of state. The Dutch royal family is known for its support of water management and flood control, with the king himself being a trained pilot and avid cyclist.
Luxembourg
Luxembourg's monarchy is a constitutional monarchy, with Grand Duke Henri serving as the head of state. The Luxembourg royal family is known for its support of social welfare programs, with Grand Duchess Maria Teresa being a patron of several charities.
Conclusion
While monarchies may be becoming less common around the world, there are still several countries that continue to have monarchs. These individuals serve as figureheads and symbols of their respective countries, and many of them are involved in charitable work and other philanthropic activities. Whether you are a fan of monarchies or not, there is no denying that they play an important role in the cultures and societies of many countries around the world.