Disposed Royal Houses That Still Exist.

Throughout the 19th and 20th Century, the Old World, and parts of the New World, were once largely ruled by monarchs. Be it absolute or constitutional, these kings, queens, emperors, and empresses were regarded with admiration by their subjects. However at the end of First World War, and the subsequent Second, the vast majority of monarchies were largely done away with. From being disposed by government action or voted out of power by the people, these ancient ruling families saw their reigns come to an end.

Even then, despite losing their power, prestige, and position, the ruling families of these nations still exist. In one form or another, the once proud royalty has managed to survive into the 21st century.

1. Hohenzollern.

One of the most renowned and famous of deposed monarchies, the Hohenzollerns first gained notoriety as the reigning family of a unified Germany in 1871. However, when World War One ended in 1918, this left the German side of this ruling family disposed. Its Romanian branch, however, endured until 1947.

Today, the Hohenzollerns are noted largely for Crown Prince Georg's attempts at reclaiming its old possessions. As for Karl Friedrich, Prince of Hohenzollern, he maintains a quiet life. Even going as far as to relinquish any claims to the Romanian Hohenzollern throne.

2. Bonaparte.

Of all deposed monarchies in the 19th century, no name perks up the ears than that of Bonaparte. Founded by the famous Corsican general and instigator of the Napoleonic wars, Napoleon Bonaparte, the imperial Bonaparte family continues to remain constant in empire building. It should noted this time around the Bonaparte family aspires to build business, as opposed to national, empires.

3. Kawānanakoa.

Despite not being an Old World monarchy, the Hawaiian royal family continues to serve as a link to Hawaii's pre-annexation history. Its current head, Quentin Kūhiō Kawānanakoa, once served as head of the Hawaiian Republican Party. As of this article, it is unknown as to what he's been doing as of late.

4. Karađorđević.

From its formation following the defeat of Austria-Hungary, Yugoslavia and its subsequent states have endured a whirlwind of events. From its various break ups, the House of Karađorđević continues to press onward. Even going as far as to become active in the affairs of modern Serbia.

As a result, Serbians have been very vocal in their restoration of their former monarchy. With a majority in favor of its return, there is bound to be a return of the Karađorđevićs to power. Albeit tied to a constitution, and not absolute.

5. Habsburg.

From its inception in 1282 until its deposition at the end of World War One, the Habsburgs have endured despite its long history. Although they lost much of its influence on world affairs, this royal family continues to plow forward. With its main members in fields pertaining to art, politics, and the media, this proves the Habsburgs have adapted well into post-ruling life quite well.

6. Osmanoğlu.

As it was with both the Habsburgs and Hohenzollerns, the Osmanoğlu was another royal family disposed at the end of World War One. Even with its long history from 1299, this royal family manages to thrive even if they're no longer relevant on the world stage. However, there seems to be a resurging interest in the Ottoman ruling family. Time will tell as to if, and when, they return to power.

7. Pahlavi.

Before Iran was ruled as an Islamic Republic, it was once ruled by the Shah. The Pahlavi family continues to advocate for the Iranian people in its fight for secular democracy. Ironic considering the Pahlavi were once seen as absolute autocrats in their previous reign. Yet, with the utter oppression the Iranians contend with concerning the Islamic Republic, a return of the Pahlavi family would be seen as refreshing.

8. Orléans-Braganza.

Of all the disposed royal families, the imperial house of Orléans-Braganza remains the only one from South America. As evident by their Instagram, they still remain active in the affairs of Brazilians. Despite this, the return of Orléans-Braganza to power remains questionable. This is because Prince Pedro Carlos of Orléans-Braganza himself once stated a republican stance.

9. Senussi.

Prior to Gaddafi's tumultuous reign, the Senussi Royal Family were once rulers of Libya. However, since 2011, there is talk about bringing back the Senussi. This is because considering Libya's unstable transition from dictatorship, there have been calls to restore the 1951 constitution. Despite not having any real power over Libya's affairs, Crown Prince Mohammed El Senussi continues to work toward restoring his homeland.

10. Romanov

There's no disposed royal family that's been more the subject of conspiracies, and legend, than the Romanovs. While no longer powerful, the Romanovs focuses more on charitable projects to aid Russians. As for any restoration of the Tsar, the Romanovs have decided to leave that up to the Russian people to decide.

11. Savoy

Although the Italians voted to become a republic in 1946, the House of Savoy continues to exist. While no longer influential in Italian affairs, certain members continue to preform government duties elsewhere. As of 2019, Aimone of Savoy-Aosta, 6th Duke of Aosta currently serves as the Sovereign Military Order of Malta's ambassador to Russia. His cousin, and disputed current head of the House of Savoy, Emanuele Filiberto of Savoy, Prince of Venice, continues to advocate a return of the crown jewels.

12. Bourbon.

Despite the Bourbon family remaining strong in Spain, the French branch continues to exist in exile. One of its disputed heads, Louis Alphonse de Bourbon recently became president of the Francisco Franco National Foundation in 2018. In keeping with his conservative views, Louis Alphonse de Bourbon also spoke out against gay marriage and adoption as well.

13. Orleans.

Alongside the Bonaparte and Bourbon families, the House of Orleans are among three royal families competing for the defunct French throne. Most recently, Prince Jean, Count of Paris, aside from suing for the right to his former estate, was recently interviewed on French television about his concerns for the future.

14. Braganza

In 1910, when Portugal decided to become a republic, its royal family however, did not falter. From serving in various fields from the military to business, the Braganza Royal Family manages to thrive in the 21st Century.

Conclusion.

As the old saying goes, it's good to be the king. That is when you have land and power. However, even without such things, these monarchies have managed to endure regardless of their disposition. While they're no longer as powerful as they once were, these royal houses continue to thrive as symbolic links to a once proud past.

Regardless of their exile, there still remains a vocal portion of their respective subjects that hope for their return, Should these royal families ever symbolically regain power, all anyone can ask for is they remain a symbolic link their country's culture and history.