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Which Royal Had the Most Children?

Published in Royal Families 3 mins read

According to historical accounts, Queen Darejan of Georgia is documented as having given birth to the highest number of children among royals, with a reported total of 23 children. This makes her a notable figure in royal history for her prolific family.

While Queen Darejan holds the record for the highest number of children explicitly stated in one account, it is also a common belief in history that Queen Maria Theresa of Austria had the largest number of children. However, the provided information does not specify the exact number for Maria Theresa, only that she is "believed to be" the queen with the largest family. In contrast, Queen Darejan's count of 23 is clearly stated.

Noteworthy Royal Mothers by Children Count

The journey through royal history reveals several queens who bore a significant number of children.

Queen Darejan of Georgia (23 Children)

Born in the 18th century, Queen Darejan, wife of King Erekle II of Georgia, is recorded as having delivered an impressive 23 children. She was reportedly 43 or 44 years old when her last child was born, showcasing a remarkably long and active period of childbearing. Her large family played a significant role in the dynastic politics of the time.

Queen Keran of Armenia (16 Children)

Following Queen Darejan in the number of children is Queen Keran of Armenia, who gave birth to 16 children. Her substantial family size positions her as another prominent royal mother in history, second only to Queen Darejan in the context of the provided records.

Queen Maria Theresa of Austria (Believed to be the Most)

Known as one of the most powerful Habsburg rulers, Queen Maria Theresa is widely recognized and "believed to be" the queen in history who had the largest number of children. While the exact count for her is not provided in the specific reference, her prolific family is a well-known aspect of her reign and legacy, solidifying her place in discussions about royal lineage and fertility.

Summary of Royal Mothers and Their Children

To provide a clear overview, here's a table summarizing the royal mothers and their reported number of children based on the available information:

Royal Mother Number of Children Notes
Queen Darejan of Georgia 23 The highest number explicitly stated, born over a period that saw her last child arrive when she was in her early to mid-40s. Her large family contributed to the complex political landscape of her era.
Queen Keran of Armenia 16 Ranked as having the second-highest number of children among the explicitly counted queens, showcasing a significant contribution to her dynasty's succession.
Queen Maria Theresa of Austria Not specified (Believed to be the most) Often cited as the queen with the largest number of children in history, though a specific count is not provided in the given reference for direct comparison with Darejan's explicit number. Her legacy as a mother is as significant as her political achievements.

This comparison highlights that while Queen Maria Theresa is historically believed to have had the most children, Queen Darejan of Georgia holds the documented record with a specific count of 23 according to the provided information.