Queen facts for kids
In a country with a monarchy, the main leader, or head of state, is chosen by inheritance. This means that when a ruler dies, their child or closest relative takes over. For a long time, many countries, especially in Europe, were governed this way. However, some countries, like the Holy Roman Empire and Malaysia, choose their monarch through an election instead of inheritance.
The wife of a king is called a queen. But if a woman is the ruler, her husband is not always called a king. For example, the last King of Britain, King George VI, had a wife named Queen Elizabeth. He had no sons, so his older daughter, Elizabeth, became Queen Elizabeth II. She is married to The Duke of Edinburgh, but he did not become King when she became Queen.
Some people don't think a monarchy is a good idea because the ruler isn't elected by the people. However, in countries like the UK, many people want to keep their royal family. They see the royals as an important part of their country's history and a way to attract visitors. In the UK, the royal family has very little power over how the country is run. The people elect a government that makes most of the decisions.
What is a Queen Regnant?
A queen regnant is a female ruler who is the head of state. She has all the power and authority of a sovereign (a supreme ruler).
A queen regnant stops being called "Queen" if she abdicates, which means she officially steps down or resigns from her role. No queen has ever abdicated in the history of the United Kingdom. However, three queens have abdicated in the Kingdom of the Netherlands:
- Queen Wilhelmina gave up her throne in 1948 and became Princess Wilhelmina. Her daughter then became Queen Juliana.
- Queen Juliana later abdicated and became Princess Juliana.
- Queen Beatrix abdicated in 2013 and also became Princess Beatrix.
Understanding a Queen Consort
A queen consort is the wife of a king. She is not the head of state and does not have any ruling powers herself. Any power she has would be given to her by the King or by a specific law.
As an example, King George VI of Britain had a wife named Queen Elizabeth. When he passed away, their elder daughter, Elizabeth, became Queen Elizabeth II. Queen Elizabeth II is married to The Duke of Edinburgh, but he did not become King when she became Queen.
What is a Queen Dowager?
A queen dowager is the widow of a king. This means she is a queen whose husband, the king, has passed away.
A queen consort usually keeps the title of Queen even after her husband's death. For instance:
- Queen Mary was the widow of King George V.
- Queen Elizabeth was the widow of King George VI. She was given the special title Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother because her daughter, Elizabeth, was also named Elizabeth and became the new Queen.
