Emperor Dong Khanh’s real name is Nguyen Phuc Ung Thi, his nickname are Duong and Bien. He is the 1st son of a royal couple Sir Nguyen Phuc Hong Cai and Madam Bui Thi Thanh. He was born on January 12 of the lunar year of Giap Ty (on February 19th 1864 solar calendar). In 1865, at the age of 2, Ung Thi was adopted by Emperor Tu Duc and brought up by Madam Nguyen Thi Cam (a wife of Emperor Tu Duc).

After the munity in 1885, while Emperor Ham Nghi left the throne for Tan So, Hue Court negotiated with French to crown Ung Duong with the title Dong Khanh.

After 3-year reign, Emperor Dong Khanh got serious sick and passed away on January 28th 1889 at the age of 25. His tablet was worshiped at The Mieu Temple with the posthumous title of Canh Tong Thuan Hoang De.

Emperor Dong Khanh had 10 children (6 sons and 4 girls).