The last couple of times for Q, I did Queen, the rock group, and Queens, the NYC county. Obviously, I’m stuck in a rut, because I’m doing queens again, this time referring to the monarchy.
Of course, there have been woman rulers for a long time, whether dubbed queen, czarina, or other titles.
I suppose I should differentiate between someone named as queen, wife (sometimes consort) of the king, and someone who serves as monarch. For instance, in Jordan, when American-born Lisa Halaby married King Hussein, she became Queen Noor when she converted to Islam. But when Hussein died in 1999, and his son by a previous marriage became King Abdullah II, Abdullah’s wife became Queen Rania, with Noor becoming queen dowager.
As far as I can tell – and please correct me if I’m wrong – there are only three current queen monarchs: Queen Margrethe II of Denmark (pictured above), Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands (pictured to the right), and the one who just turned 85.
The rules of male primogeniture had been in place for many years in most countries, which meant that the only way a female could become a monarch queen is if her father had no sons whatsoever. This is, of course, the case for the world’s best-known current female monarch, Queen Elizabeth II, whose father George VI had two daughters, she and Margaret, and no sons.
The rules of primogeniture, though are changing. “Five monarchies in Europe have eliminated male preference: Sweden, Norway, Netherlands, Belgium, and Denmark.” However, the Norwegian change is not retroactive and therefore does not affect the current succession where a younger male is ranked over an older female.
Spain and the United Kingdom are also considering the change; however, for the latter, this would require changes in the law in not only the UK, but the 15 other Commonwealth realm countries of Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, the Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Canada, Grenada, Jamaica, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, the Solomon Islands, and Tuvalu.
I don’t think changing the law is relevant for the UK and Commonwealth at the moment. Liz 2 will last another 50 yrs yet š
Queens, was a nice choice to the Q day. But my favorite is Queen Latifah. ; )
Everytime I read your posts I realize how little I actually know about our world and its people. Thanks for the interesting information Roger.
I agree with Anthony (above) that it won’t make much difference in the UK and Commonwealth for a very long time, but if Prince William and his new wife only have daughters or at least their eldest is a girl, it might change then. By the way, it’s okay to do “queen” this time, too, because it is very relevent right now. Did you see “the wedding”? I was up at 2AM my time to watch it live, just as I did when Charles wed Diana.
I watched it, but not in real time. Had to; family’s related.
As Always, great, interesting post. I really liked your perspective and… That is a lot of changing for the UK!
The Queen’s tiara is awesome!
Interesting Roger, – I knew about the law, but didn’t know they were considering change in the U.K., – right and proper for the times!
I think I still prefer the rock group Queen!! Ah, but what do I know?? I guess whatever works. Hope you have a great week, Roger!
Sylvia
Very interesting post about Queens Roger.
Hi Roger! I am pleased to see our Queen Beatrix. I think the three European queens are great and better than some of the kings who have preceded them.Our next monarch will be the Prince of Orange Willem Alexander, who has three little daughters. Our monarchs abdicate in favour of the next one. This is good for now he or she can enjoy a nice period of deserved rest. So we don’t know the tradition of “The King( Queen) is dead, long live the King(Queen)”. Great post Roger!
Queen Margarethe of Denmark is a very interesting and creative woman – popular too.
Next visite to Budapest I will watch a ballet with Queen’s music – I look forward this so very much.
Happy ABC!
very nice choice Rog…I wish I was a queen….lol! thanks for dropping by!
And this makes me think of the old TV show, “Queen for a Day”.
My, times have changed, haven’t they?
Very interesting, Roger. I think, of course, the primogeniture rule should be changed worldwide, or wherever there’s royalty. Wimzlib has been around for a while now, and we’re almost considered equal. I think a reigning queen even makes as much as she would if she were male, which is still not the same in every responsible job even in enlightened North America.
ā K
Kay, Alberta, Canada
An Unfittie’s Guide to Adventurous Travel
Nice to have all that glitzy jewellery, and come to think of it all the houses. When I heard the primogeniture idea I did wonder if there weren’t more important things to be done with parliamentary time.
Love royal historical facts, very interesting.
Behind every successful man is his queen. Let us all remember that!
perfect Q..
Hope you can visit My ABC Quarter to Eight Thanks.
Wonderfully informative.
I was just wondering the other day what were all the Commonwealth countries and now you have given me a list! Thank you. I’m looking forward to hearing of Queen Catherine.
I love to read about all royals at the hairdresser, or doctor, wherever I have to sit and wait. But I also follow the marriages on TV I have to admit.
For the moment we have King Albert II in Belgium, next will be his son Philip, but then it will be a queen (Elisabeth) for the moment only 7, š
My own favourite is Queen Ranavalona I. Madagascar had very different views on the laws of succession!
For what it’s worth, I’m confident that New Zealand will approve the law change to allow the first-born child to become sovereign, regardless of gender. The NZ Green Party says we should also back a law change to removing the law that says the monarch can’t be a Catholic, but that’s not part of the discussionāneither, for that matter, is the prospect of New Zealand becoming a republic.
A great entry for Q day! And very interesting too!
And I totally agree with LisaF;o)
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Have a high Quality day, Roger****
I always get educated with your posts.
I think changing the law in UK and the Commonwealth should be considered until we are sure the monarchy will survive. Perhaps Charles will abdicate in favour of William – that would help;-) Don’t think he will, though:-/
Excellent choice! Hard to believe Liz is 85! and still married! What will the commonwealth do – an interesting question, but one whose time has come.
Take care.
What an exquisite presentation of Q, I’ve learned a lot through your Q.
An interesting and timely topic. You always offer wonderful information. Thanks!