As twins Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella joined parents Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene to wave to crowds on Monaco National Day, we take a look at we take a look at just how many European countries still have royal families.

Plus, we delve deeper into the and the varied forms these monarchies take – big, small and ceremonial.

Why don’t all European countries have royal families?

European monarchies dominated political life from the Middle Ages through to the early 20th century, though by the end many were slowly shifting toward constitutional forms.

A major turning point was World War I, which triggered the collapse of the German, Austro-Hungarian, Russian and Ottoman empires, wiping out several of Europe’s largest monarchies. After World War II, further monarchies fell – Italy in 1946 and Greece in 1974.

Today only a handful of European monarchies survive. These are almost entirely constitutional, with the royals serving symbolic or ceremonial roles rather than having political power.

How many royal families are there in Europe?

There are 11 European countries with royal families in Europe, including seven kingdoms, three principalities and a grand duchy. The Vatican City is considered a monarchy, but it is headed up by the Pope.

Andorra

This landlocked country nestled between France and Spain, officially the Principality of Andorra, is led by co-princes – one is the President of France and the other is the Bishop of Urgell, a town in Catalonia, Spain. They act as ceremonial heads of state while the elected government runs the country.

Belgium

The Belgian monarchy is a relatively young one, founded in 1831 when Belgium gained independence from the Netherlands. It is led by King Philippe who, with his wife Queen Mathilde, have four children. Princess Elisabeth is heir. The royal family uses “of Belgium” as its surname and is one of the most modestly funded in Europe.

Denmark

King Frederik X has ruled Denmark since 2024 with Queen Mary, following the abdication of his mother, Queen Margrethe II, after decades as the head. She had previously said she would never abdicate. The couple have four children and their main residence is Amalienborg Palace in Copenhagen.

Liechtenstein

Liechtenstein’s royal family, led by Prince Hans-Adam II and his son Crown Prince Alois, is one of Europe’s few ruling monarchies with real political influence. Prince Hans-Adam, a successful banker, became head of state in 1989. In August 2004 he handed over the day-to-day running of the principality to his son, while remaining titular head of state.

Luxembourg

Luxembourg’s royal family is led by Grand Duke Henri and Grand Duchess Maria Teresa. They have five children, including Hereditary Grand Duke Guillaume, the heir. The title of Grand Duke is used, rather than king, reflecting Luxembourg’s historic status as a grand duchy.

Monaco

Monaco’s royal family, led by Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene, is famous worldwide due to its association with wealth and celebrity. The leaders have twins, Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella. Prince Jacques is heir to the throne despite Gabriella being born two minutes earlier, because Monaco’s laws of succession give preference to the male heir.

Netherlands

King Willem-Alexander has ruled the Netherlands since 2013 with Queen Máxima. They have three daughters, with the heir as Catharina-Amalia. The Dutch monarchy was founded in 1815 when the Netherlands regained its independence from Napoleonic France. The current royals live in Huis ten Bosch Palace in The Hague and the family is among Europe’s wealthiest.

Norway

King Harald V has ruled Norway since 1991 with Queen Sonja. They have two children: Princess Märtha Louise and Crown Prince Haakon, whose daughter Princess Ingrid Alexandra is heir. King Harald caused controversy by insisting on marrying a commoner, rather than following the tradition of marrying a royal princess. 

Spain

Spain’s monarchy, reestablished in 1978, is now led by King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia, who live in the Royal Palace of Madrid. They have two daughters: Leonor, the heir, and Sofía. While mostly ceremonial, the king acts as head of state, represents Spain abroad, and helps appoint the prime minister.

Sweden

The Swedish monarchy, which goes back thousands of years, today has no political powers and performs mainly ceremonial duties as the head of state. It has been led by King Carl XVI Gustaf since 1973. He and Queen Silvia have three children. In 2019 he stripped five of his grandchildren of their royal titles to save money.

United Kingdom

The UK monarchy receives higher public funding than others in Europe. It is larger with more ceremonial responsibilities and is led by King Charles III and Queen Camilla. Prince William, Princess Catherine and their children carry out ceremonial duties, charity work and international representation.

Main image: Princess Gabriella, Princess Charlene, Prince Jacques and Prince Albert II on Monaco National Day 2025. Credit: Getty Images