...monarchies are holding up surprisingly well.

Many are doing more than just surviving...

...they are thriving

44 countries have a monarch as head of state

Since the millennium only two royal families have gone out of business...

those of Samoa and Nepal...

where in 2001 a murderous Nepalese prince...

...killed nine family members, and himself

In effect, ending the royal line

In the 20th century revolutions and two world wars...

...ended 110 monarchies

How do you keep a monarchy alive?

Queen Elizabeth II is perhaps the best-known monarch

She rules over 16 realms and 86% of Britons...

think she's doing a good job

This is partly because she says nothing of consequence...

...in public

The British royals have also proved they can move with the times...

...welcoming a mixed-race American actress into the fold

In Thailand monarchs are apolitical, on paper...

...but their close ties with the army have legitimised...

...many military coups...

...undermining democracy

Strict laws also protect the monarchy's image

Mild criticism of the royal family, and even their pets...

...is landing increasing numbers of people in prison

The power-hungry new king Vajiralongkorn...

is less popular than his father...

...and some wonder whether the institution...

...will survive under his rule

In Saudi Arabia the king and his crown prince...

Mohammad bin Salman

...have absolute power

Part of the Al Saud dynasty's success comes from its wealth

Riches from oil boost the country's economy...

...creating large pots of money to buy the loyalty of subjects

Lavish welfare handouts are used to keep the people happy

And well-paid goons are used to keep them quiet

On April 23rd the country executed 37 people...

...many of them Shias...

...for alleged terrorism

Monarchs who survive today have mastered the art of tightrope walking

The best maintain popular support by staying out of politics...

...putting their country's interests before their own...

...and adapting with the times

If they don't...

...they risk disappearing for good