Emperor Kien Phuc’s real name is Nguyen Phuc Ung Dang. He is the 3rd son of a royal couple Sir Nguyen Phuc Hong Cai and Madam Bui Thi Thanh. Ung Dang was born on February 12th 1869. In 1870, at the age of 2, he was adopted by Emperor Tu Duc and was brought up by Madam Nguyen Thi Huong (a concubine of Emperor Tu Duc).

After Emperor Hiep Hoa was dethroned on December 2nd 1883, Ung Dang was crowned king with the title Kien Phuc at the age of 15 years old. Emperor Kien Phuc passed away on July 31st 1884 at the age of 16, after six months on the throne. His tablet was worshiped in The Mieu Temple the title Gian Tong Nghi Hoang De.