Kings Who Had More Than One Wife & Kings Who Stayed True to One Wife

Lives Shaped by Love and Power

Love and power often clashed within palace walls, shaping history in ways you wouldn’t expect. Some kings had many wives and faced tangled relationships that influenced their kingdoms. Others devoted themselves to a single wife and left a legacy of loyalty. Their stories show the human side of royalty, where choices of the heart mattered as much as the crown. Let’s first look at kings who embraced multiple marriages and the lives they built around them.

1. King Solomon Of Israel

King Solomon of Israel is biblically recorded as having 700 wives and 300 concubines. These unions weren’t solely for desire, they served political ends, strengthening alliances with foreign powers. However, his marriages to foreign wives and princesses created deep religious tensions.

2. Emperor Moulay Ismail of Morocco

Marked by calculated marriages to unify tribes, Moulay Ismail’s rule spanned over five decades. With four wives, 500 concubines, and reportedly over 800 children, he used his harem as a political tool while enforcing order and building lasting architectural marvels.

3. Maharaja Bhupinder Singh of India

A patron of opulence, he’s credited with popularizing the Patiala peg. Maharaja Bhupinder Singh of Patiala kept 10 wives and 350 concubines, and he fathered 88 children, but only 52 survived. Among his consorts, Rajmata Vimal Kaur held a special place in his life.

4. Pharaoh Ramses II Of Egypt

During his 66-year reign, Ramses II married over 200 women and fathered more than 100 children. These unions bolstered his image as both ruler and god. His favorite wife, Nefertari, was immortalized in colossal temples built to celebrate her status.

5. King Mongkut Of Siam

Ruling from 1851 to 1868, King Mongkut had over 30 wives and concubines. Most marriages weren’t for love, as they were diplomatic moves. He ruled from 1851 to 1868 and pushed Siam into the modern age, and even inspired the hit musical The King and I.

6. King Henry VIII Of England

Henry VIII had six wives, three of whom were officially annulled through the Church of England. His strong desire for a male heir led to the English Reformation and the creation of a national church separate from Rome. It had a long-lasting effect on religion and the monarchy.

7. King Sobhuza II Of Swaziland

Reigning for over 60 years, King Sobhuza II of Swaziland had 70 wives and fathered 210 children between 1920 and 1970. At his passing, his royal line had expanded to include more than 1,000 grandchildren, and his dynasty shaped the nation’s leadership and traditions for generations.

Now that we’ve seen kings with many marriages, let’s turn to those who remained loyal to a single queen.

8. King George VI Of England

King George VI married Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon and remained devoted throughout their lives. Their partnership endured the trials of World War II and personal hardship, including his early speech challenges. He was the father of Queen Elizabeth II and led with quiet strength.

9. King Louis XVI Of France

Though arranged, King Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette’s marriage proved stable through personal and political turmoil. Unfortunately, both were executed during the French Revolution, and their union remains a powerful symbol of the monarchy’s dramatic fall.

10. King Haakon VII Of Norway

When Norway became independent in 1905, Haakon VII stepped up as king, with Princess Maud of Wales by his side. Their marriage wasn’t just royal; it helped boost national pride. He kept things grounded and was known for being humble and fair.

11. King Albert I Of Belgium

King Albert I, married to Elisabeth of Bavaria, guided Belgium through World War I with bravery and moral resolve. His battlefield presence earned him the title “Knight King,” while their admired partnership became a symbol of strength across war-torn Europe.

12. Emperor Hongzhi Of China

During his Ming Dynasty reign from 1487 to 1505, Emperor Hongzhi chose lifelong monogamy with Empress Zhang. Their relationship, built on mutual respect, defied imperial norms. She played a visible role in governance and was widely respected by court officials.

13. Henry VII Of England

His marriage in 1486 to Elizabeth of York brought peace to war-torn England and evolved into an affectionate, lasting personal bond. Henry never remarried after her passing, and their elaborate tombs stand at Westminster Abbey.

14. King Charles I Of England

Charles I and Henrietta Maria stayed committed through civil unrest and religious divides and were married for 23 years. Though their union faced scrutiny, their private letters paint a picture of deep affection and mutual loyalty that endured until Charles’s execution.

I hope you enjoyed a little history of the wives of kings through the ages. It was fun to do some research on this subject. I pray you all be blessed in Yeshua’s name.