What Monarchs Do After They Abdicate…
Abdication is not a simple matter for monarchs. In some cases, it requires a legal framework to allow for a peaceful transfer of power.
“Heavy is the head that wears the crown,” as the saying goes, and it’s a sentiment that many monarchs have surely felt at some point during their reigns.
The idea of relinquishing the throne and all its responsibilities may seem like a welcome relief to some, but what comes next for abdicating monarchs? In this article, we explore the intriguing and diverse paths that former rulers have taken after stepping down from power.
The Abdication Process
Abdication is not a simple matter for monarchs. In some cases, it requires a legal framework to allow for a peaceful transfer of power. For instance, when Japan’s Emperor Akihito abdicated in favor of his son, Crown Prince Naruhito, a unique law was passed to make it possible, as Japan’s laws didn’t provide clear procedures for such a transition.
This was the first abdication of a Japanese emperor in over two centuries, highlighting the rarity of the event. Similarly, the British Parliament would face legal challenges if a monarch decided to abdicate, as seen in the case of King Edward VIII in 1936. Abdication would require an official Act of Abdication, and the process would involve complex legal and constitutional considerations.
Life After Abdication
Once a monarch steps away from the throne, they face the challenges of adapting to a new life outside of ruling. Some former monarchs have chosen a life of spiritual contemplation and simplicity after abdication.
Chandragupta Maurya, the founder of the Indian Maurya Dynasty, reportedly became a Jain monk and even practiced sallekhana, a form of fasting until death as part of his spiritual journey. Others have taken on roles within religious institutions.
John II Casimir Vasas, a 17th-century king of Poland, became a monk and led the French abbey of Saint-Germain-des-Prés after his abdication. Similarly, Holy Roman Emperor Charles V retired to a Spanish monastery after his abdication.
Peaceful Retirement
Some former monarchs and leaders enjoy a quiet and peaceful retirement. Emperor Akihito of Japan, after abdicating in 2019, has taken peaceful walks, read, and pursued his passion for fish taxonomy in retirement. Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, after stepping down in 2013, retired to Mater Ecclesiae Monastery in Vatican City, living a relatively quiet life, reflecting, and issuing apologies for abuse scandals within the Catholic Church.
Returning to Power
On the other end of the spectrum, some former monarchs like Napoleon Bonaparte, the Emperor Napoleon I, have tried to return to power after abdicating, demonstrating a relentless pursuit of authority and an indomitable spirit. Napoleon’s journey from abdication to exile is a saga of ambition and resilience.
Napoleon’s first abdication occurred on April 11, 1814, following a disastrous campaign in Russia and a series of defeats by the coalition of European powers. Facing encroaching enemy forces and internal opposition from within his government, Napoleon was forced to abdicate and was exiled to the Mediterranean island of Elba. This initial exile did not quell his desire for power, and he began plotting his return.
Personal Struggles and Influences
Abdication decisions are sometimes influenced by personal factors. King Edward VIII of Britain abdicated due to his love for Wallis Simpson, a divorced American socialite, leading to a strained relationship with the royal family. Pope Benedict XVI cited declining health as a reason for his 2013 retirement, and Roman emperor Diocletian retired because of illness. Tragic End
Unfortunately, some abdicating monarchs met tragic fates. Nicholas II of Russia abdicated in 1917 and was eventually assassinated by Bolsheviks in Siberia. Peter III of Russia, forced to abdicate, mysteriously died soon after in an out-of-the-way village.
Abdication is a complex process, and life after ruling varies greatly for former monarchs. Some find peace and contentment in retirement, while others continue to pursue power or face personal and political challenges. The paths chosen by abdicating rulers offer a fascinating glimpse into the diverse outcomes of a life lived in the spotlight and the complexities of transitioning from a position of immense authority to one of relative obscurity.