King Charles poses for photo with world's longest-reigning current monarch at Buckingham Palace

Royal Biographer Robert Hardman says King Charles is 'much happier' since becoming monarch

GB News
Ed Griffiths

By Ed Griffiths


Published: 18/12/2024

- 19:41

The Sultan of Brunei has reigned for 55 years longer than King Charles, despite the two men being close in age

King Charles has held an audience with the Sultan of Brunei, the world's longest-reigning monarch, at Buckingham Palace today.

His Majesty, 74, wore a blue suit as he met the head of state.


He paired the two-piece suit with a white shirt and a blue and white spotted tie.

He accessorised it with a checked blue patterned folded pocket square tucked into his jacket pocket.

King Charles held an audience with the Sultan of Brunei

King Charles held an audience with the Sultan of Brunei at Buckingham Palace today

PA

Meanwhile, Darussalam Hassanal Bolkiah, 76, donned a black two-piece suit with a purple tie and a pocket square.

The Sultan has reigned for 55 years longer than King Charles, despite the two men being close in age.

King Charles became the monarch of the UK and 14 other Commonwealth realms on September 8, 2022, the day his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, died.

He previously held the title of Prince of Wales, which is now held by his oldest son, Prince William.

King Charles held an audience with the Sultan of Brunei

The 29th Sultan to the Bruneian throne became the longest-serving monarch after Queen Elizabeth II's death in September 2022

PA

Prince Mateen of Brunei Darussalam accompanied the Sultan of Brunei Darussalam as they visited the King’s London residency.

Sultan of Brunei, who took the throne after his father's abdication, has reigned since 1967 and became Prime Minister of the nation following its independence from the UK in 1984.

The 29th Sultan to the Bruneian throne became the longest-serving monarch after Queen Elizabeth II's death in September 2022.

The late monarch ruled for 70 years and 214 days, having ascended to the throne after her father, King George VI, died in February 1952.

King Charles held an audience with the Sultan of Brunei

Hassanal Bolkiah is one of five remaining absolute monarchs in the world and is said to have a net worth of £23.5billion

PA

She was the second longest-serving monarch in world history, behind only France's Louis XVI, who ruled for 72 years and 110 days.

Hassanal Bolkiah is one of five remaining absolute monarchs in the world and is said to have a net worth of £23.5billion.

Bolkiah appeared to have a close relationship with the late Queen despite being criticized for his country's human rights record and business dealings.

King Charles will soon travel to Sandringham Estate in Norfolk to spend the Christmas period with the other members of the Royal Family.

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