From Cradle to Throne! The Youngest Leaders in History Who Ascended to the Throne at Very Young Ages

Throughout history, while some heirs took years to ascend the throne, others claimed their crown in a very short time. Yes, we are talking about child rulers. A baby who found himself on the throne right after birth eventually became the leader of his country! If you are curious for more, please continue to the content!

Source: https://www.historyhit.com/historys-youngest-world-leaders/

II. Shapur from the Sasanian Empire

It is said that the legendary fourth-century Sasanian King ascended the throne even before he was born. Due to the turmoil caused by the death of his father, Hormizd II, Shapur’s mother placed a crown on her belly, declaring her unborn child as the new king. Though this legend is still debated by many historians, II. Shapur held his monarchical title for seventy years, making him one of the longest-reigning rulers.

I. John from France

I. John is notable for having the shortest reign in French history. His birth date, November 15, 1316, was also the date he ascended the throne. His father, Louis X, had died almost four months before his birth. I. John died for unknown reasons and could only stay on the throne for five days.

XIII. Alfonso from Spain

Similar to France’s I. John, Alfonso became king on the day he was born, May 17, 1886. His mother, Maria Christina, represented him until he came of age in 1902. Alfonso was dethroned with the declaration of the Second Spanish Republic.

Mary Stuart from Scotland

Mary, born on December 8, 1542, became the Queen of Scotland at just six days old. She was also briefly the queen of France during her marriage to Francis II. She spent most of her childhood in the French court and returned to Scotland as an adult.

VI. Ivan from Russia

Born on August 12, 1740, Ivan ascended to the throne of one of history’s greatest empires at just two months old. His cousin, Elizabeth Petrovna, dethroned him only a year later. VI. Ivan spent the rest of his life in captivity until he was killed at the age of 23.

II. Sobhuza from Eswatini

Sobhuza made history as the longest-reigning monarch, staying on the throne for 83 years. He was born on July 22, 1899, and became king at only four months old. Since he could not possess the qualities of a ruler as a child, his uncle and mother ruled the country on his behalf until he came of age in 1921.

VI. Henry from England

Henry became king of England on September 1, 1422, when he was just nine months old, succeeding his father. His reign saw the weakening of English power in France and the outbreak of the Wars of the Roses. It is alleged that VI. Henry was killed on May 21, 1471, on the orders of King Edward IV.

Aisin Gioro Puyi from China

Aisin Gioro Puyi, the last emperor of China, ascended the Qing throne on December 2, 1908, at the age of two. The imperial system, which had existed in China for over two thousand years, was overthrown by the Xinhai Revolution in 1912, leading to his abdication.

Simeon Saxe-Coburg-Gotha from Bulgaria

Simeon, who ascended to the throne at the age of six on August 28, 1943, was the last tsar of Bulgaria. Following World War II, the monarchy was abolished by referendum, and he was sent into exile. He later returned to Bulgaria and became the country’s prime minister in 2001.

Tutankhamun from the Egyptian Empire

Tutankhamun became Pharaoh of the New Kingdom at the age of eight. Due to being born of an incestuous marriage, he suffered from many health issues. The discovery of his intact tomb in the 20th century made him one of Ancient Egypt’s most famous rulers.