Queen regnant

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Queen Elizabeth II official portrait for 1959 tour (retouched) (cropped) (3-to-4 aspect ratio)

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Statue of Sobekneferu (Berlin Egyptian Museum 14475)

Margaret of Denmark, Norway & Sweden (1389) effigy 2010 (2)

Queen regnant is a monarchical title held by a female monarch who reigns in her own right, as opposed to a queen consort, who is the wife of a reigning king. A queen regnant possesses and exercises sovereign powers, whereas a queen consort does not. Throughout history, queens regnant have ruled sovereign states and territories, wielding the full extent of political power and authority that comes with being a head of state.

Definition and Distinction

The term "queen regnant" is used to differentiate a queen who rules a country from a queen consort, who is the spouse of a reigning king but does not rule nor share her husband's rank, titles, or sovereignty. Additionally, a queen regnant should not be confused with a queen dowager, a widow of a king, or a queen mother, a queen dowager who is the mother of a reigning monarch.

Powers and Responsibilities

The powers and responsibilities of a queen regnant are equivalent to those of a king. These may include the enactment of legislation, the administration of justice, the appointment of officials, and the command of the armed forces. The specific powers held by a queen regnant depend on the constitution and laws of her realm, as well as historical precedent and tradition.

Historical Examples

Throughout history, there have been numerous notable queens regnant, including:

• Elizabeth I of England, who reigned from 1558 to 1603 and was one of the most famous monarchs in English history.
• Catherine the Great of Russia, who expanded the Russian empire and promoted the age of Enlightenment in Russia during her reign from 1762 to 1796.
• Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom, whose reign from 1837 to 1901 marked a period of industrial, cultural, political, scientific, and military change within the United Kingdom, known as the Victorian era.
• Cleopatra VII of Egypt, the last active ruler of the Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt, known for her relationships with Roman leaders Julius Caesar and Mark Antony.

Contemporary Queens Regnant

As of the early 21st century, the number of queens regnant has been relatively small compared to historical periods. Examples include:

• Elizabeth II, who was the queen regnant of the United Kingdom and other Commonwealth realms until her death in 2022.
• Margrethe II of Denmark, who has been the queen regnant of Denmark since 1972.

Legal and Social Considerations

The ability for a woman to become a queen regnant has varied greatly throughout history and across cultures, often influenced by laws of succession. Many countries have practiced agnatic succession, which prioritizes male heirs. However, changes in laws and attitudes in recent years have led to the adoption of absolute primogeniture in several monarchies, which does not discriminate based on gender.

Cultural Impact

Queens regnant have often been significant figures in history and culture, symbolizing power, stability, and continuity. They have been subjects of literature, art, and folklore, and their reigns have contributed to shaping national identities and historical narratives.