Top 10 Youngest Kings In The World Ever

In contemporary times, it is inconceivable to envision our country's leaders as anything but individuals in their mid-50s, burdened, fatigued, and disenchanted due to the strains of politically charged conflicts. A prerequisite seems to be the display of gray hairs and crow's feet by politicians, serving as visible proof of their qualifications to lead. Contrarily, centuries ago, when political structures were rooted in bloodlines and constructed upon familial hierarchies, it was not unusual to find oneself subject to the unpredictable mood swings of a preteen boy or girl.

Compilation of the youngest kings throughout history reveals a fascinating array of individuals who assumed the throne at remarkably tender ages. King Tut of Egypt stands out as an iconic figure, crowned at the age of nine. In a different historical context, the youngest czar in Russian history was Ivan VI, who became ruler at a mere two months old, only to face a tragic fate in captivity.

These traditions are now obsolete. Nevertheless, we still perceive the subtle reverberations of a system permitting decisions to be made covertly by individuals too young and inexperienced to shoulder the responsibilities of leading a nation. Today, we delve into history to examine some of the youngest monarchs who ascended the throne, shouldering the immense burden of governing an entire nation.

Top 10 Youngest Kings In The World Ever

• Murad IV
• King Tutankhamun
• Shah Shapur II
• Alfonso XIII
• King John I
• Henry VI
• John I of France
• Ivan VI
• Pu Yi
• King Oyo

1. Murad IV

At the tender age of 11, Murad IV assumed the role of Sultan of the Ottoman Empire. His behavior mirrored that of a typical 11-year-old, yet the corrupting effects of absolute power shaped him into a young tyrant with a fervent mission to quash any opposition to his government.

In a demonstration of unwavering willpower, Murad IV imposed a strict ban on tobacco, coffee, and wine shops. He believed these places provided a breeding ground for plots against his rule. Those caught smoking faced a harsh fate – execution without mercy. Ironically, despite his stringent measures, Murad IV's reign took an unexpected turn, culminating in his demise in 1640. His cause of death was alcoholism, a poignant twist given his efforts to ban substances, shedding light on the internal contradictions of his rule and hinting that he, too, succumbed to the very vices he sought to eliminate.

2. King Tutankhamun

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In the roster of the youngest kings, King Tutankhamun stands out as one of the most widely recognized figures in history. At the tender age of nine, King Tut ascended to power, marking the beginning of a significant chapter in ancient Egyptian history. His reign played a pivotal role in the reconstruction of the religion of the Ancient Egyptians.

Despite holding the title of king, Tutankhamun was more symbolic than physically imposing. His lineage was marred by inbreeding, leading to a multitude of illnesses and malformations. Afflicted by a malformation in his left foot, scoliosis, and bone necrosis, King Tut was compelled to use a cane for mobility. This poignant detail is underscored by the fact that the same cane used in his lifetime was buried with him, encapsulating the physical challenges he faced during his brief yet impactful rule.

3. Shah Shapur II

In the annals of history, Shah Shapur II emerges as a unique figure, purportedly ascending to the throne before drawing his first breath. Born into the ruling dynasty of the Sasanian Empire of Persia, Shapur II assumed the mantle of kingship immediately upon his birth in 309 AD, a consequence of his father's recent demise.

Legend weaves an even more extraordinary narrative around Shapur II's coronation. It is told that the symbolic act of crowning took place while he was still within his mother's womb, a ceremonial acknowledgment of his royal destiny. Remarkably, at the age of 16, Shapur II stepped into the full responsibilities of governance, taking control of the empire independently and shaping the course of Persian history.

4. Alfonso XIII

Born in 1886, Alfonso XIII of Spain held the unique distinction of being crowned king on the very day of his birth. However, despite this early symbolic accession, he did not assume the full responsibilities of monarchy until the age of 16. Alfonso XIII's immediate coronation was a consequence of his birth following the passing of his father, the preceding monarch.

Taking the reins of Spain at the age of 16 in 1902, Alfonso XIII exercised complete authority as the country's king. However, his reign faced significant challenges, particularly with the government he had contributed to installing. Pressured by the victories of the Socialist and Republican parties in the Spanish parliament, he encountered demands to abdicate the throne and bring an end to the monarchy.

Ultimately, in 1931, Alfonso XIII left the country without formally abdicating, and he never returned. His departure marked the conclusion of a complex chapter in Spanish history, shaped by political shifts and the changing tides of public sentiment.

5. King John I

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King John I, a notable figure in English history, achieved fame not for his accomplishments but for the youth at which he assumed the monarchy. Born on December 24, 1166, John I became the King of England from 1199 until his death in 1216.

As the youngest child of King Henry II of England and Eleanor, the Duchess of Aquitaine, King John I's ascent to the throne at the tender age of four marked him as one of the youngest kings in recorded history. His early reign posed unique challenges and set the stage for a complex chapter in the annals of English monarchy, with the young king navigating the responsibilities of rulership amid the intrigues of medieval politics.

6. Henry VI

Henry VI, born on December 6, 1421, inherited the throne of England at an exceptionally early age. Succeeding his father, Henry V, who had passed away, Henry VI ascended to the throne when he was a mere nine months old. Holding the titles of King of England and Lord of Ireland from 1422 to 1461 and again from 1470 to 1471, he also reigned as King of France from 1422 to 1453, amidst controversy.

As the sole child of his father, Henry VI's accession to the French throne was facilitated by the death of his maternal grandfather, Charles VI. In 1431, he became the only English king to inherit the French throne, a feat admired and recognized in history.

Henry VI, despite a flawed and criticized rule, left a lasting legacy through his passion for education. Renowned as a supporter and lover of learning, he founded Eton College, King’s College, Cambridge, and All Souls, Oxford. His reign concluded with his passing on May 21st, 1471, yet he remains among the world’s youngest kings.

7. John I

Born on November 15, 1316, John I of France, also known as John the Posthumous, began his reign just five days after his birth. His father, Louis X, had passed away in June 1316, leaving behind a daughter named Jeanne from his first marriage to Margaret of Burgundy.

Until Clementia of Hungary, Louis’ second wife and widow, gave birth to a boy, the next King of France, Jeanne served as queen regent under the tutelage of her uncle and regent Philip. Following John I's brief reign of barely five days, he passed away on November 19. Philip succeeded him as King Philip V after his death and assumed regency responsibilities for the young king.

8. Ivan VI

At a mere 2 months old, Ivan VI secured the title of the youngest czar in Russian history. Born in August 1740 to the Grand Duchess Anna Leopoldovna, a niece of Empress Anna, Ivan Antonovich was adopted by Empress Anna before her demise in October 1740, intending him to be her heir.

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However, a coup staged by Peter the Great’s daughter in December 1741 altered Ivan's fate. Elizabeth of Russia ascended to the throne, imprisoning Ivan and his parents. Ivan VI met his end in captivity in 1764.

9. Pu Yi

Ascending to the throne of China at the age of two in 1908, Pu Yi's reign was short-lived. Three years later, a revolution toppled the imperial system, giving rise to the Republic of China. Despite being stripped of his title, Pu Yi continued to lead an opulent life in Beijing.

Following his ousting from Beijing, Pu Yi escaped to Japan and took on a role akin to a Manchurian candidate. During World War II, he served as a puppet monarch for a Chinese kingdom under Japanese authority. His arrest by Russian forces marked the end of his journey, as he was imprisoned as a war criminal, reflecting the tumultuous and transformative period in Chinese history.

10. King Oyo

Following the passing of King Kaboyo in 1995, his only son, Oyo, emerged as the heir to the Tooro Kingdom. At the tender age of three, Oyo embarked on his coronation procedures in September 1995, commencing at 2:00 am. The ceremonial proceedings included a staged combat at the palace entryway, portraying a conflict between the forces of a rebel prince and the royal army as an integral part of the ritual.

In a crucial test administered by the Omusuga, the leader of the royal clan, young Oyo had to prove his divine rights and royal lineage, ensuring he avoided being cursed by the local deities. This ritual not only marked his ascent to the throne but also underscored the significance of maintaining the sacred connection between the monarch and the spiritual realm.

Reports indicate that King Oyo has demonstrated a profound commitment to the environment. Engaging in initiatives such as Fort Portal street maintenance and tree planting, he actively strives to lead his people with excellence.