Heavy Is The Head That Wears The Crown

It's hard to imagine giving up a crown...is that self-centered to admit? Well, maybe, but more monarchs than you think have stepped away from the throne. Some did so under threat, others because they wanted to prioritize their health; either way, these 20 royals said "no thanks" to the crown.

Jacques-Louis David on Wikimedia

1. Diocletian

Most Roman emperors met sticky ends, but Diocletian was the first to voluntarily give up a crown. Aged 60, having spent a third of his life ruling an empire stretching from Spain to Palestine, Diocletian bid a tearful farewell to Rome. He lived out his final years in peace, planting cabbages in Croatia.

ANS on Wikimedia

2. Kōken

The last empress to rule Japan for a millennium, Kōken was also the country's first female heir-apparent.  A staunch Buddhist, Kōken initially abdicated the throne in 758 following political turmoil. Five years later, Kōken proclaimed herself a Bodhisattva, taking the throne for a second time.

Kunisada III on Wikimedia

3. Richard II

Richard II of England's abdication was immortalized in the Shakespeare play that bears his name. Richard became king at the tender age of 10 and his rule, once he came of age, was characterized by tyranny. Richard was tricked into abdicating by his cousin, Henry Bolingbroke.

Thomas Pennant on Wikimedia

4. Mary, Queen Of Scots

Poor Mary Stuart became queen at only six days old, was unhappily married twice, and was imprisoned by her cousin. Not content with Scotland, Mary believed her claim to England was just as strong as Elizabeth I's, but her ambition outweighed her support. Mary's third marriage was marred by scandal, resutling in her lords forcing her abdication.

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5. Christina

One of Sweden's best-known monarchs, Queen Christina was crowned at the tender age of 5. Christina helped end the Thirty Years' War, but was controversial for her cross-dressing, close relationships with women, and Catholic faith. Declaring never to marry and naming her cousin her successor, Christina abdicated in 1654.

Sébastien Bourdon on Wikimedia

6. James II & VII

Like his grandmother, Mary Queen of Scots, James II and VII of England and Scotland didn't hold onto his throne for very long. After his father was publically beheaded and his brother overthrown, then restored, James didn't have much of a fighting chance. He fled the country at the threat of Dutch invasion, which parliament counted as an abdication.

Godfrey Kneller on Wikimedia

8. Francis II

After Napoleon's assumption as emperor and military victory at Austerlitz, things were on the rocks for the Holy Roman Empire. After a millennium of rule, the Medieval institution of princes and magistrates finally collapsed following the abdication of Francis II. Don't feel too bad for him, though, after the Holy Roman Empire collapsed, Francis was named first Emperor of Austria.

Friedrich von Amerling on Wikimedia

9. Napoleon I

Never one to be outdone, Napoleon Bonaparte abdicated twice. He first abdicated in 1814 to avoid civil war following a series of military defeat. The following year, Napoleon returned to France, reestablished himself as empreror, and was forced to abdicate again after his defeat at Waterloo all in about 100 days.

Jacques-Louis David on Wikimedia

10. Charles X

The 19th century wasn't exactly the best time for the French monarchy, as evidenced by Charles X. Charles ascended to the throne in 1824, following the Revolution and Restoration. His ultra-religious authoritarian rule led to another revolution, six years later, after which he abdicated.

Henry Bone / After François Gérard on Wikimedia

11. Louis XIX

Wearing the crown for a mere 20 minutes, Louis XIX holds the record for the world's shortest reign. Following his father's abdication, Louis wore the crown just long enough to formally give it up. Because his reign was so short, historians debate whether or not it counts.

Thomas Lawrence on Wikimedia

12.  Liliʻuokalani

Liliʻuokalani was the last monarch of  Hawaiʻi before it was annexed and established as a state.  Liliʻuokalani was forced to abdicate by a degree named the "Bayonet Constitution". Following her abdication, control of her kingdom fell to a group of wealthy white businessmen, led by Sanford B. Dole. 

James J. Williams / Adam Cuerden on Wikimedia

13. Sunjong

Sunjong of Korea was regarded as a puppet ruler for the Japanese. His reign of three years is notable for little aside from being Korea's last. Sunjong had little political power, and after Korea was annexed to Japan, he and his wife were virtually imprisoned in the royal palace until his death.

Photography by 岩田鼎 on Wikimedia

14. Nicholas II

Like Liliʻuokalani, Tsar Nicholas II abdicated with under threat. With Russia fighting a losing battle in WWI and Revolution brewing on the homefront, Nicholas renounced the throne in 1917. Nicholas's abdication ended 300 years of Romanov rule, and was the last time Russia had a monarch.

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15. Marie-Adélaïde

As Grand Duchess of Luxembourg, Marie-Adélaïde was the country's first female ruler in 132 years. Unfortunately, her reputation quickly soured when she supported the German occupation of Luxembourg in WWI. In 1919, Marie-Adélaïde abdicated in favor of her younger sister, Charlotte, who would also abdicate several decades later.

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16.  Reza Shah 

Few people know about the Anglo-Soviet invasion of Iraq in 1941. While Iran was neutral during WWII, the Allies feared that Reza Shah would collaborate with the Axis Powers. This worry, combined with the Soviet need for Iran's infrastructure, led to Reza Shah's abdication in 1941.

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17. Edward VIII

One of the most famous abdications in history, Edward VIII ruled the United Kingdom for 326 days in 1936. Edward gave up the throne to (scandalously) marry American divorcée Wallis Simpson. This decision may have been for the best as the pair were awfully cozy with Germany.

Lafayette on Wikimedia

18. Benedict XVI

As the head of the Vatican, in addition to the Catholic Church, Pope Benedict XVI abdicated the throne when he resigned in 2013. Popes had resigned before, but it was the first time in nearly 600 years that the Holy Father stepped aside. Already 78 when he was elected, Benedict cited his advanced age as his reason for resignation.

Pope_Benedict_XVI_Blessing.jpg: Rvin88 derivative work: Jüppsche on Wikimedia

18. Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani

During the reign of Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Qatar became the richest country in the world per capita. Hamad deposed his own father to become Emir in a bloodless coup, and his abdication was similarly bloodless. Hamad named his son Tamim as Emir in a short, and remarkably humble speech.

Official White House Photo by Lawrence Jackson on Wikimedia

19. Akihito

Emperor Akihito of Japan made history in 2019 with the country's first abdication in over 200 years. Akihito's abdicated required new legislation as the Emperor was required to "sit on the throne until death." At 82, Akihito prioritized his health over the crown.

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20. Margrethe II

The most recent abdication to date, Margrethe II of Denmark abdicated in 2023. While Margrethe II previously said she would never abdicate, extensive back surgery earlier that year contributed to her decision. In addition to ruling for exactly 52 years, Margrethe has also dabbled in archaeology, costume design, and illustration.

Johannes Jansson on Wikimedia