List of female hereditary monarchs facts for kids

A female hereditary monarch is a queen who rules a country because she was born into the royal family and inherited the throne. This is different from a queen who is married to a king (a queen consort) or a queen who rules temporarily for a young monarch (a regent). This list focuses on women who held the top ruling position in their own right, passing it down through their family.

What is a Hereditary Monarch?

A hereditary monarch is a ruler who gets their power because they are part of a specific family. When the previous ruler dies or steps down, the next person in line from that family takes over. For women, this means they were the direct heir to the throne, not just married to the king.

Why are Regents Not Included?

Sometimes, a queen might rule a country for a short time if the real monarch is too young or sick. This temporary ruler is called a regent. Even though regents have a lot of power, they are not considered hereditary monarchs because they don't own the throne themselves. They are just holding it for someone else. This list only includes women who were the actual, permanent rulers.

Famous Female Hereditary Monarchs Throughout History

Many powerful women have ruled countries throughout history. They led their people, made important decisions, and shaped the future of their nations. Here are some examples of queens who reigned in their own right.

Queens from Ancient Times

• Hatshepsut (Pharaoh of Egypt): She was one of the most successful pharaohs of ancient Egypt. She ruled for over 20 years, bringing peace and wealth to her kingdom. She built many impressive temples and monuments.
• Sobekneferu (Pharaoh of Egypt): She was one of the earliest known female pharaohs of Egypt. She ruled around 1800 BC.
• Cleopatra VII (Queen of Egypt): Famous for her intelligence and political skills, Cleopatra was the last active pharaoh of ancient Egypt. She ruled for many years and was known for her relationships with Roman leaders like Julius Caesar and Mark Antony.
• Amanirenas (Queen of Kush): She was a powerful queen of the ancient African kingdom of Kush. She led her armies in battle against the Roman Empire.
• Boudica (Queen of the Iceni): A brave warrior queen who led a major uprising against the Roman Empire in Britain.

Queens from the Middle Ages

• Æthelflæd (Lady of the Mercians): She was a strong Anglo-Saxon ruler in England. She led her people in battles against Viking invaders and helped unite parts of England.
• Urraca of Castile (Queen of Castile and León): She was the first queen regnant of Castile and León in Spain. She faced many challenges during her reign but worked to keep her kingdoms strong.
• Melisende of Jerusalem (Queen of Jerusalem): She was a powerful and intelligent queen who ruled the Kingdom of Jerusalem during the Crusades. She was known for her diplomatic skills and for promoting arts and culture.
• Eleanor of Aquitaine (Duchess of Aquitaine and Gascony): One of the most influential women of the Middle Ages. She was a duchess in her own right and later became queen of France and then England. She was a patron of the arts and a strong political figure.
• Constance, Duchess of Brittany (Duchess of Brittany): She ruled Brittany and was known for her efforts to protect her duchy's independence.
• Rusudan of Georgia (Queen Regnant of Georgia): She ruled the Kingdom of Georgia during a challenging period. She tried to maintain her country's power and influence.

Queens from More Recent Times

• Isabella I of Castile (Queen of Castile): She was a very important queen in Spanish history. She united Spain with her husband, Ferdinand II of Aragon, and sponsored Christopher Columbus's voyage to the Americas.
• Lady Jane Grey (Queen of England): She had a very short reign, ruling England for only nine days. Her claim to the throne was challenged, and she was later executed.
• Elizabeth I (Queen of England): One of England's most famous monarchs. She ruled for over 40 years, a period known as the Elizabethan era, which saw great achievements in arts, exploration, and military strength.
• Mary, Queen of Scots (Queen of Scots): She became queen as a baby and had a dramatic life, facing many political struggles and eventually being executed in England.
• Catherine de' Medici (Lady of La Tour and Countess of Auvergne and Boulogne): Though primarily known as Queen Consort of France, she also held titles in her own right and was a powerful political figure.
• Anne, Queen of Great Britain (Queen of Great Britain): She was the last Stuart monarch and the first monarch of the united Kingdom of Great Britain.
• Maria Theresa of Austria (Queen of Hungary and Croatia): A powerful and influential ruler of the Habsburg monarchy. She reformed the military and education systems and was a key figure in European politics.
• Catherine the Great (Empress of Russia): One of Russia's most powerful and longest-reigning empresses. She expanded the Russian Empire and promoted the arts and sciences.
• Queen Victoria (Queen of the United Kingdom): She ruled for over 60 years, a period known as the Victorian era. The British Empire grew significantly under her reign, and she became a symbol of the era.
• Wilhelmina of the Netherlands (Queen of the Netherlands): She reigned for 58 years, guiding her country through two World Wars.
• Juliana of the Netherlands (Queen of the Netherlands): She was known for her down-to-earth style and her efforts to modernize the monarchy.
• Beatrix of the Netherlands (Queen of the Netherlands): She continued the tradition of a modern monarchy and oversaw many changes in her country.
• Elizabeth II (Queen of the United Kingdom): The longest-reigning British monarch. She ruled for 70 years, seeing immense changes in the world and serving as a steady figurehead for her nation and the Commonwealth.
• Margrethe II of Denmark (Queen of Denmark): She has been the Queen of Denmark since 1972, known for her artistic talents and dedication to her role.