Monarch

A monarch is the ruler of a monarchy. Monarchs usually get their power by inheritance – from one of their parents. When a ruler dies their child, or nearest relative, takes over. A male monarch is usually called a king or emperor. A female monarch is usually called a queen or empress.

Monarchs were very common in history until the 19th century. Most European countries had monarchs in past centuries, but no longer have them. Some countries that still have monarchs have other leaders that actually have the power. Some countries elect their monarch instead of using inheritance, like the Holy Roman Empire^[1] and Malaysia.^[2]

Monarchs can also have monarchs of lower honour below them, e.g. an Empire could include several kingdoms, and a kingdom had several duchies or principalities, nations would rarely include all titles, usually going from duchy to kingdom instead of duchy to principality to kingdom. Prince/Princess means 'Ruler of a Principality' and 'son of king/queen'. Some other languages have separate words for them.

Title	Male	Female
Empire	Emperor	Empress
Kingdom	King	Queen
Grand Principality	Grand Prince	Grand Princess
Principality	Prince	Princess
Archduchy	Arch Duke	Arch Duchess
Grand Duchy	Grand Duke	Grand Duchess
Duchy	Duke	Duchess
Marquisate	Marquess	Marchioness
County	Count	Countess
Viscounty	Viscount	Viscountess
Barony	Baron	Baroness