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It's Not Just Britain: Where Monarchy Survives

A royal reading list on modern day monarchies.

Pocket Editors

Read when you’ve got time to spare.

Monarchies might seem like relics of the past, but with 29 monarchs around the world today, they remain part of our modern world. Read on for fascinating stories from across the globe, from the world’s oldest monarchy in Japan to Africa’s last absolute monarchy in Eswatini.

Image by Halfdark/Getty Images

Beyond King Charles: Your Guide to the World’s 28 Other Monarchs

The coronation of King Charles shows how the British monarchy often attracts the most attention. But there are wealthier, more powerful monarchies around the world.

The World’s Oldest Monarchy Is Running Out of Royals

Japan will maintain tradition in the imperial household even if it means the end of the monarchy.

Thailand’s Playboy King Isn’t Playing Around

Thailand’s king has terrible fashion sense and likes wearing fake tattoos. He’s also disturbingly authoritarian.

Africa’s Last Absolute Monarchy Is Shaken, as Protestors Defy Eswatini’s King

A crisis simmers in Southern Africa as the landlocked country formerly known as Swaziland cracks down on pro-democracy demonstrations.

Heavy Lies the Crown: The Survival of Arab Monarchies, 10 Years After the Arab Spring

Arab monarchs may find that their usual containment strategies will prove less effective as populations and opposition movements transform, and that the time has come for them to adapt their behavior.

The Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia [WATCH — 2019]

A FRONTLINE documentary investigating the rise and rule of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia (MBS).

An Ex-King, Missing Millions and a Monarchy in Crisis

Spain got rid of its royal family 90 years ago and then brought it back. Was that a mistake?

Among Europe’s Ex-Royals

What do the descendants of dethroned monarchs have to offer the continent in the 21st century?