Leopold II of Belgium is perhaps one of the most notorious monarchs in modern history due to his exploitation of the Congo Free State. Under the guise of philanthropy, Leopold turned the Congo into a personal colony, subjecting its inhabitants to horrific conditions. The Congolese were forced into slave labor, particularly in rubber extraction, and those who did not meet quotas were brutally punished. It is estimated that millions of people died as a result of Leopold's regime, making him responsible for one of the most egregious genocides in history. Despite his atrocities, Leopold faced little consequence in his lifetime, and it was only after his death that the full extent of his crimes became widely known.

 King Henry VIII (England, 1509–1547)

Henry VIII of England is remembered for his role in the English Reformation and his notorious series of marriages. Though initially a charismatic and successful ruler, Henry’s reign became marked by paranoia, cruelty, and selfishness. His desire for a male heir led to the execution of two of his wives, Anne Boleyn and Catherine Howard, and the dissolution of monasteries across England, which resulted in the deaths of countless monks and nuns. Henry's reign was also marked by lavish spending on wars, which drained the kingdom's resources. His tyrannical methods of governing and personal ambition left a deep stain on English history, as his actions permanently altered the nation's religious and political landscape.

 King Charles I (England, 1625–1649)

Charles I of England is infamous for his authoritarian rule and his role in causing the English Civil War. His belief in the divine right of kings led him to make numerous unpopular decisions, including taxing his subjects without Parliament’s approval and attempting to control the Church of England. These actions led to widespread unrest, culminating in the Civil War between royalists and parliamentarians. After his defeat, Charles was tried for treason, found guilty, and executed in 1649. His reign is often viewed as a cautionary tale about the dangers of absolute monarchy and the importance of constitutional limits on royal power. shutdown123