Queenhood

Queenhood refers to the status or role of a queen in a monarchy. It can denote several distinct positions: a queen regnant, who rules in her own right; a queen consort, the wife of a reigning king; a queen dowager, the widow of a former king; and a queen mother, the mother of a current sovereign. The term encompasses both the office of the sovereign and the social duties associated with royal female sovereignty.

Queen regnants acquire sovereign authority through succession and may rule with constitutional limits or, in historical contexts, with broad or absolute power. Queen consorts typically do not exercise sovereign powers themselves, though they may influence policy, act in ceremonial capacity, and represent the crown in various duties. Queen dowagers or queen mothers retain the title after the throne passes, often continuing to play a public role.

Legal and constitutional frameworks define the scope of queenhood. Some systems follow male-preference or absolute primogeniture, while others practice gender-neutral succession. In constitutional monarchies, the queen's role is largely symbolic, focusing on representation, charitable work, and national ceremonies, whereas in absolute monarchies a queen regnant may hold executive authority alongside the monarch.

Historically, queenhood has varied by culture and era, reflecting different notions of gender, leadership, and succession. The etymology of the word "queen" traces to early Germanic roots; in many languages the title corresponds to the masculine "king" with a feminine form. Notable examples of queens regnant include Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth II.