The World During Their Reign
The most notable rulers who held power elsewhere at the same time, from European courts to Ottoman, Mughal, and Chinese thrones.
Juliana of the Netherlands
Netherlands
1973–1980
Beatrix of the Netherlands
Netherlands
1980–2013
Elizabeth II
Great Britain
1973–2022
Charles III
Great Britain
2022–present
Şehzade Ali Vâsib
Ottoman Empire
1977–1983
Juan Carlos I of Spain
Spain
1975–2014
Felipe VI of Spain
Spain
2014–present
Hirohito
Japan
1973–1989
Akihito
Japan
1989–2019
Naruhito
Japan
2019–present
Pope Paul VI
Papacy
1973–1978
Pope John Paul I
Papacy
1978–1978
Pope John Paul II
Papacy
1978–2005
Pope Benedict XVI
Papacy
2005–2013
Pope Francis
Papacy
2013–2025
Pope Leo XIV
Papacy
2025–present
Şehzade Mehmed Abdulaziz
Ottoman Empire
1973–1977
Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands
Netherlands
2013–present
Meanwhile in history
One “meanwhile in history” story each week: who ruled where, and what was happening on thrones across the world.
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