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14 of the most Handsome Kings

*Originally published by Charity N in August 2022 and Updated by Vanessa R in October 2023 and Updated by Vanessa R in February 2024

Royals have always tended to be in the limelight for all good and bad. They have been scrutinized from their looks to their deeds being the public figures they are.

In fairy tales, kings and princes are always shown to be the best-looking in the kingdom. All females admire their handsomeness. They always manage to snatch up the most beautiful girl to marry.

In this time and age, it might seem shallow, or even wrong, to rank the most handsome kings. However, that’s exactly what’s happening here. We are going to be swooning over ridiculously good-looking kings both in history and in the present.

1. King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, of Bhutan

King of Bhutan Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck at the Guest House Akasaka Palace. Image by Prime Minister’s Office Homepage –

King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck is known as the ‘Asian Elvis’. The King of Bhutan and his slicked-back quiff also go by the name ‘the Dragon King’.

He drove Bhutan to the great height of success and is often credited as the “ king of Destiny “who ultimately changed the fate of Bhutan enhancing economic growth, prospering nation, peace, happiness, and others.

He is an alumnus of Magdalen College, Oxford. He has a swarm of female fans in Thailand, where he was nicknamed ‘Prince Charming’ by the press. They love him in India and Japan too. He’s the perfect mix of ancient and modern.

2. Alexander The Great

King Alexander was termed Alexander the Great because he conquered Persia, Egypt, Syria, Mesopotamia, Bactria, and Punjab by the time he was 32; He was extremely good in a fight; He was a real animal person – he named cities after his horse, Bucephalus, and his dog, Peritas; He was taught by Aristotle.

He liked to portray himself to people as being superhuman.  He was described by Plutarch as having a melting glance and a very pleasant odor.

He was blond, brave, and well-built.

3. King Felipe VI of Spain

King Felipe. Image by Cristina Cifuentes –

King Felipe VI was sporty, glamorous, and enormously tall. He was six-foot-five-and-a-half.

Felipe is relatively new to the king game, having ascended the throne in 2014 when his father stepped down.

He is forward-thinking and thoroughly modern. He is the youngest monarch in Europe.

His salt-and-pepper beard only accentuates his good looks.

4. Richard The Lionheart

King Richard The Lionheart. Image by Merry-Joseph Blondel –

King Richard has a lot of negative traits. He was rumored to have killed his father. He spoke hardly any English. And, he spent most of his reign abroad.

He however did know how to dress! The red cape with the lions on it and the nice big sword set him out from other kings.

The name Lionheart added to his allure as it only suggested exciting things.

5. King Henry VIII

King Henry VII. Image by Hans Holbein the Younger –

King Henry VIII towards the end was fat and angry.

Henry VIII was a handsome, clever, charismatic; good-at-tennis catch in his youth, renowned for his fine calves (a measure of Tudor attractiveness) and deftness with a joust. So he wasn’t great with women, but you can’t say he wasn’t a trier – and that has to count for something.

6. King Phillip IV

Philip IV King of Spain. Image by MartinRaeymakers –

Philip the Handsome also called the Fair, was the ruler of the Burgundian Netherlands and titular Duke of Burgundy.

Philip the Handsome was so called because of his fair hair and attractive grey-blue eyes. He was tall, handsome, and fair, but his character remains mysterious.

Despite his young age, Philip quickly proved himself an effective ruler beloved by his people in the Low Countries, pursuing policies that favored peace and economic development, while maintaining a steady course of government building.

His reign was one of the most momentous in medieval history. This was because he successfully challenged the traditional power of the papacy in France. It thereby strengthened the monarchy.

7. King Absalom

King Absalom’s story is recorded in the Bible in the book of 2 Samuel.

It states that no man in all of Israel was as handsome and highly praised as Absalom. From the sole of his foot to the top of his head, he did not have a single flaw.

In the manner in which the verse above depicts Absalom, we can identify that the character “Absalom”, was a good-looking man. Describing a man as not having a single flaw perhaps speaks of his skin tone and texture and the absence of any form of defects. We are left to picture a tall man with great skin, and a handsome face.

8. Saul

King Saul. Image by Ernst Josephson –

King Saul’s story is documented in the Bible in the book of Samuel.

The Israelites chose him to be king because there was no one among the Israelis as handsome as he. He was a head taller than any of the other people. He is described as handsome and he passed the gene down to his son, Jonathan.

Saul wasn’t just handsome; he was a man with qualities that defined a strong man. He was fast, and “more valiant than lions”.

Saul and Jonathan were loved and handsome in life, and death and were not separated.

9. King David

King David, the King of Israel. Image by Gerard van Honthorst –

King David’s story is documented in the Bible in the book of Psalms.

It states that he was the most handsome of men; grace flows from your lips.

David is described to be handsome in the book of Psalms and the book of Samuel too. It’s safe to say that David probably has more verses describing him to be handsome than any other biblical character.

The book of 1 Samuel says that the Lord sent Samuel to anoint him as he was the one. it goes ahead to say that he had beautiful eyes and a healthy, handsome appearance.

10. Solomon

King Solomon. Image by Jojojoe –

King Solomon is also a biblical king. His tales are found in the book of Solomon.

Many verses in the book are messages to him from his lovers. They describe him as handsome and delightful.

It is one of many calling Solomon a handsome man. After all, his father, David is also depicted by the Bible to be very handsome.

King Solomon was popular with the ladies. He had 700 wives and 300 concubines! Only the most handsome man would pull this out! Considering Solomon’s adventures with women, his status as a handsome man fits perfectly into the interpretation puzzle.

11. King Ludwig II of Bavaria 

, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

The Bavarian monarch Ludwig II was considered handsome for a number of reasons. At six feet five, he had a commanding presence and an air of refined elegance befitting of a monarch. His well-groomed brown hair and moustache made him appear even more attractive.

People often referred to his mesmerising blue eyes as mysterious. His love of painting and the breathtaking environment of Bavaria, where he often posed for photos, added to his reputation. These qualities made him a pleasant and appealing historical figure.

12. King Rama IX of Thailand

, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

King Rama IX of Thailand, also known as King Bhumibol Adulyadej, was seen to be handsome because of his noble and dignified features. His captivating presence won his people over, and they came to love him. His well-groomed hair and kind smile projected a humble and friendly aura. King Rama IX, who was often photographed in traditional Thai attire, appeared even more majestic and refined. His enduring popularity was fueled not only by his physical attractiveness but also by his dedication to his country and its people. Because of his compassion and leadership abilities, King Rama IX was viewed as a lovely and handsome individual by many Thais.

13. King George IV of the United Kingdom

, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

King George IV of the United Kingdom was considered attractive because of his sophisticated sense of style and friendly demeanour. He set fashion trends in his day with his exquisitely cut outfits and preference for luxurious textiles. His attractiveness—which comprised neatly styled hair and a charming smile—made him more appealing. George IV rose to fame in his day as a socialite and fashion icon due to his charisma and confidence. Due to his outstanding looks and refined manner, he was considered one of the most handsome kings in British history.

14. King Farouk I of Egypt

, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Farouk I, the King of Egypt, was celebrated for his charismatic charm and movie-star looks, which made him the focal point of elegant events. His impeccably styled hair and refined fashion sense added to his allure. Farouk’s confidence and effortless style made him a captivating figure, admired not only for his regal status but also for his fashionable and alluring presence in society.

The Love Stories and Relationships of Handsome Kings

1. Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal

, , via Wikimedia Commons

The Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan built the magnificent and world-famous Taj Mahal palace in honor of his deepest love and favorite wife, Mumtaz Mahal. Mumtaz was so beloved by Shah Jahan that when she tragically died giving birth to their 14th child together, the grieving emperor was plunged into intense grief and loneliness.

Consumed by sorrow, Shah Jahan ordered the construction of an elaborately decorated marble tomb adorned with intricate gardens all around. It took over 20 years to complete. Shah Jahan dedicated his focus to commemorating their love and the beauty of his late wife. The stunning result was the Taj Mahal, now considered one of the most romantic monuments on the planet. Centuries later, it still stands today as a testament to intense love and loss.

2. Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson

In 1936, King Edward VIII of Great Britain and Northern Ireland abdicated the British throne, one of the most important leadership positions in the world. And all for an incredible love – his affection for Wallis Simpson, an American socialite woman who had captured his heart completely.

As she was neither royal-born nor accepted by his family or the Church, Edward chose to give up being the ruling monarch rather than end his relationship with “the woman I love.” Their forbidden romance and Edward’s willingness to abandon his crown duties enthralled global audiences. Despite condemnation, the two stayed devoted companions for the next 35 years, living in France.

3. Henry VIII and His Six Wives

, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

The dramatic King Henry VIII remains one of England’s most astounding yet ruthless rulers. Obsessed with siring a male heir to continue the storied Tudor dynasty, Henry married no less than six times in his life – wooing, wedding, then brutally discarding a series of wives in his failed quest for a prince.

He pursued women like Anne Boleyn and teenager Catherine Howard, becoming besotted and beheading them after they angered or betrayed him without birthing sons. His outrageous treatment of spouses even revolutionized religion in England. Each romance was more fiery, tumultuous and tragic than the last. In the end, only his first wife Queen Catherine of Aragon and final spouse Catherine Parr somewhat escaped Henry VIII’s marital wrath.

4. Baldwin IV of Jerusalem and Sybilla

Around 1170 AD, the monarch Baldwin IV ruled as the King of Jerusalem during the Crusades. A courageous military commander, Baldwin valiantly led his armies against Islamic rivals despite worsening leprosy.

In the midst of bloody religious warfare, he suddenly fell in love with the gentle, striking Princess Sybilla of Jerusalem – whose brother had tragically died of leprosy as well. Baldwin swiftly married her, producing a baby girl who later became Queen of Jerusalem too. Sadly their happiness and union was short-lived, as Baldwin’s early death meant he could not know that his daughter continued carrying on his royal legacy.

5. Emperor Hadrian and Antinous

As the supreme leader of the far-reaching Roman Empire, the emperor Hadrian displayed typical interest in women and also male companions. But his relationship with a Greek youth named Antinous developed into an unusually deep bond and devastating loss when Antinous mysteriously perished by drowning in Egypt’s river waters.

Hadrian’s reaction was extreme, unhinged grief – far beyond even his beloved wife’s death a decade prior. Consumed in sorrow, he deified the young man, naming a star after him and erecting massive statues with Antinous’ likeness throughout the empire. Cities were also renamed to honor him as a god. Such intense public mourning and exaltation for another man, especially by an emperor, astonished Romans at the time.

6. Pepin the Short and Bertrada of Laon

, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

In 740 AD, the bold Frankish warrior Pepin the Short was determined to wed the alluring Bertrada of Laon – despite the inconvenient fact she was already married. Still besotted, Pepin plots to have her husband killed in battle.

As a wealthy widowed queen, Bertrada then gained independence to follow her heart. She married Pepin and was later crowned alongside him in a power-elevating love match that strengthened the Carolingian dynasty. Though twice exiled by Pepin’s father over questionable morals, the savvy Bertrada always cunningly regained her husband’s favor and her influence as Queen of the Franks.

7. Justinian I and Theodora

The brilliant Emperor Justinian I ruled the extensive Byzantine Empire with an iron hand – and also with steadfast support from his beloved wife, the former theater actress and courtesan Theodora.

Secretive about her scandalous early years, Theodora’s wit and shrewdness still helped her win Justinian’s heart and earn her own political ascent in 500s Constantinople society. More crucially, the loyal Theodora became Justinian’s most trusted counselor for decades. Together they equally shared imperial ambitions, strategizing and ruling their splendid empire side by side until death.

8. Mongkut of Siam and Lady Tuptim

, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

In mid-1800s Siam, the progressive King Mongkut encountered Lady Tuptim, a shy court dancer and concubine to one of his government ministers. Despite cultural norms about proper relationships, Mongkut found himself growing infatuated by Tuptim’s graceful spirit and talents in writing.

But complications arose from the love triangle with Tuptim actually being in love with another man, plus King Mongkut already having dozens of wives and consorts according to tradition. In the end, their admiring yet impossible affair brought tense confrontations and ultimately tragedy for those involved.

9. Clovis I and Clotilde

In the late 400s AD, Clovis I was a pagan Frankish warrior-king who joined in strategic holy matrimony with the Catholic Burgundian princess Clotilde. Though theirs was a politically shrewd marriage between two powerful royal dynasties, Clotilde grew devoted to convincing her warlord husband to convert to Christianity like herself.

After praying to her god for Clovis’s victory in battle and the safe delivery of their son, he finally rejected paganism and embraced his wife’s Catholic faith. Their union brought greater convergence between the Franks and Romans.

10. Solomon and the Queen of Sheba

, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

The wealthy Queen of Sheba from modern-day Ethiopia once visited the court of wise King Solomon, ancient Israel’s ruler around 950 BC. At first coming to test his intellect with riddles, Sheba ended up entranced in intimate exchanges as Solomon impressed her with his deep knowledge on numerous subjects alongside kind hospitality.

Gifts were presented, interactions grew increasingly warm, and the two monarchs dazzled one another with their wit, wealth, and words over the days. In the end, a strong bond was forged.