Who Was the Shortest Reigning King in History?

Discover the shortest reigning king, Louis XIX of France, who ruled for just 20 minutes in 1830 before abdicating.

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Louis XIX of France holds the record for the shortest reigning king, with a reign that lasted a mere 20 minutes in 1830. After his father, Charles X, abdicated, Louis-Antoine d'Artois was named king but abdicated himself in favor of his nephew, Henri, almost immediately.

FAQs & Answers

  1. How long did Louis XIX reign as king? Louis XIX reigned for approximately 20 minutes before abdicating in favor of his nephew.
  2. Why did Louis XIX have such a short reign? Louis XIX abdicated shortly after becoming king as part of a political transition following his father Charles X's abdication.
  3. Who succeeded Louis XIX as king? Louis XIX was succeeded by his nephew, Henri, after his very brief reign.

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