7 Shortest Reigns in English History

Lady Jane Grey (9 days)

Lady Jane Grey, who ruled England for only nine days in July 1553, is regarded as the monarch with the shortest reign. Lady Jane was only a teenager when then-King Edward VI died; according to Smithsonian Magazine, she fainted upon learning that she would succeed him. Lady Jane’s rise was quick and calculated. Her father-in-law, John Dudley, was adamant about retaining power and preventing Edward’s half-sister, Mary Tudor, from ascending to the throne. As a result, he had Mary declared illegitimate because of her Catholic faith. Then he replaced her with Jane.

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