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What titles besides king and queen can be used for monarchs?
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monarchy
Augustus, bronze sculpture from Meroe, Sudan, 1st century ce; in the British Museum.
Beyond the titles of king and queen, monarchs have historically used a variety of titles depending on their region, cultural tradition, and the extent of their authority.
Common titles for monarchs include:
- Emperor/Empress: Used for a sovereign who exercises control over an empire, often encompassing multiple territories and peoples.1
- Prince/Princess: While often associated with the children of a monarch, these can also be titles for a reigning sovereign, such as the rulers of Monaco.1
- Tsar (or Czar): A title derived from the Roman Caesar, famously used by the absolute monarchs of Russia.1
- Sultan: A title frequently used for powerful leaders in the Islamic world who claim sovereignty over a territory.1
- Caliph: Historically referred to the sovereign ruler of the Muslim people.1
- King-Emperor: A specific title for a monarch who holds the rank of both king and emperor, such as the British monarch’s former capacity as emperor of India.2
Other historical or regional titles include pharaoh (ancient Egypt), shah, khan, khedive, and mikado.13