Royal Rulers Has The Power To Appoint Ministers

Liechtenstein

If your only knowledge of Lichtenstein comes from A Knight’s Tale, you’ll be devastated to learn that the small country doesn’t actually have knights on horseback anymore. If it’s any consolation, however, it does still have a prince. Prince Hans-Adam II rules over this small country between Switzerland and Austria, and has the power to veto laws, appoint judges, dissolve parliament, and choose government officials (including the prime minister).

Given Prince Hans-Adam II’s advancing age — he is 74 years old — his son, Alois, Hereditary Prince of Liechtenstein, handles most of the day-to-day duties. While many countries may be shifting power from monarchs to parliaments, Liechtenstein still fully embraces its royal family. Back in 2012, a referendum to limit the prince’s veto power was defeated overwhelmingly.

United Arab Emirates

The United Arab Emirates seems to be paradoxical. It’s home to the most absolute monarchies in the world, and yet the architecture and infrastructure of a city like Dubai appears dazzlingly modern. The UAE is composed of seven different kingdoms, each with its own ruler. All seven rulers (emirs) sit on the Federal Supreme Council, which oversees all the operations of the UAE, though the emirs of Dubai and Abu Dhabi hold the most power.

This group of royal rulers has the power to appoint ministers, advisors, and half of the 40-member National Council. While the emirates of the UAE are known for their restrictive policies, most notably on alcohol, they are also famous for their dramatic architectural modernization and construction projects.

Oman

One of the world’s longest reigning monarchs is Qaboos bin Said al Said, who has ruled Oman as sultan since 1970. In a rise to power straight out of the Middle Ages, he assumed the throne by overthrowing his father in a palace coup. Contrary to what you may expect from a sultan who took power by deposing his own father, Oman is actually considered more open and liberal than many other countries on the Arabian Peninsula. The country has thrived under Sultan Qaboos, enjoying strong healthcare and education systems, as well as economic prosperity. Critics have said that Qaboos has more absolute control over his country than any other monarch in the world, but as long as Oman continues to prosper, the 78-year-old sultan seems poised to continue his nearly 50-year run as ruler.

Bhutan

The King of Bhutan is one of the world’s youngest monarchs, taking the throne back in 2006 when he was just 26 years old. Now 39, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck is incredibly popular due to his relative youth and his advocacy of democratic reforms. Bhutan has had a monarch for over 100 years, but in recent years the country has shifted away from absolute monarchy and toward constitutional monarchy. This is owed largely to King Wangchuck’s progressive attitude, and willingness to help his country evolve. He is unique among traditional monarchs in that he actually went to university in the United States, studying at Wheaton College, a small liberal arts school.

Wangchuck hasn’t exactly abandoned all his power, however. The Bhutanese constitution still gives him the power to veto laws approved by the parliament and to appoint members of the judiciary.