Ephemeral Monarchies
We define ephemeral monarchs as non-regnant royals, noblemen or commoners who were enthroned in an established country by domestic acclamation or foreign intervention. Their tenure was short-lived and their heirs did not unquestionably reign. Most are considered anomalies in their countries—some vilified and others admired. (Image: Triumphant entrance of Emperor Augustín de Iturbide into Mexico City.)
Ephemeral Monarchies
Augustín I of Mexico
A Mexican general of Basque origin, Agustín Cosme Damián de Iturbide y Arámburu, was crowned Emperor of Mexico on 19 May 1822 and was the Mexican Empire's first head of state after independence. His reign did not last a year, as he abdicated on 09 March 1823.
Maximilian I of Mexico
Although proclaimed by Mexico's conservative elite, Maximilian's enthronement was enabled by the French occupation of Mexico. Nonetheless, his liberal, modernizing and patriotic reign put him at odds with both the Mexican nobility and the French occupiers. He was the sole ruler of the Second Mexican Empire (1861-1863).
Wilhelm I of Albania
Styled Mbret (King) in Albania and sovereign prince internationally, Wilhelm I —a prince of the House of Wied-Neuwied—was selected by the great powers to rule newly-independent Albania in 1913. Plagued by revolts and lack of funds, he went into exile after only six months of reign, yet never relinquished his rights to the Albanian throne.