Definition:
A queen is a female ruler of a country, similar to a king. She possesses significant authority and is responsible for making crucial decisions. In some cases, a queen may be the spouse of a king, but her power is typically less than that of a queen who governs independently. If the king is too young to rule, a queen can act as a regent. A dowager-queen refers to a queen who was previously married to a deceased king.
In a monarchy, a queen is a woman who holds the highest position of power. There are various types of queens, including Queen Regnant, Queen Consort, Queen Regent, and Dowager-Queen. Queen Regnant refers to a woman who possesses sovereignty and royal power in her own right, such as Queen Mary I, Queen Elizabeth I, Queen Victoria, and Queen Elizabeth II. Queen Consort is the title given to the wife of a reigning king, who has some royal prerogatives but is legally no different from other subjects of the king. An example of a Queen Consort is Queen Elizabeth, the wife of King George VI. Queen Regent is a woman who rules in place of the actual sovereign, typically when the sovereign is a child. Queen Isabella I of Castile is an example of a Queen Regent, as she ruled in place of her daughter Joanna. Lastly, a Dowager-Queen is a queen who is the widow of a king, like Queen Alexandra, the widow of King Edward VII. These examples demonstrate the various roles and responsibilities of queens in a monarchy.
No, the Queen enjoys sovereign immunity, which means she is immune from prosecution or legal liability for her actions as the head of state.
Technically, the Queen can be sued, but in practice, it is highly unlikely to be successful due to sovereign immunity. However, there are certain exceptions where the Queen can be held liable, such as in cases of personal property or contractual disputes.
No, the Queen’s role in the legislative process is purely ceremonial. The power to make or change laws lies with the elected government and the Parliament.
No, the Queen cannot be impeached or removed from office as she holds her position by virtue of hereditary succession. The monarchy is a constitutional institution and any changes to the monarchy would require significant constitutional reforms.
In theory, the Queen can be arrested, but in practice, it is highly unlikely due to her sovereign immunity. However, it is important to note that the Queen is expected to abide by the law and cooperate with law enforcement agencies.
While the Queen can technically be called as a witness in a court case, it is highly unlikely to happen due to her constitutional role and the principle of sovereign immunity. The Queen’s involvement in legal proceedings is extremely rare.
Yes, the Queen has the power to grant pardons or commute sentences, but in practice, this power is exercised on the advice of the government. The Queen’s involvement in such matters is largely ceremonial.
No, the Queen cannot be sued for defamation as she enjoys absolute privilege in her official capacity. This means that she cannot be held liable for any statements made during official duties.
No, the Queen cannot be forced to abdicate. The decision to abdicate rests solely with the monarch, and it is a personal choice that is not subject to external pressure.
In theory, the Queen can be a defendant in a criminal case, but in practice, it is highly unlikely due to her sovereign immunity. The Queen is expected to uphold the law and cooperate with law enforcement agencies, making criminal charges against her highly improbable.
This site contains general legal information but does not constitute professional legal advice for your particular situation. Persuing this glossary does not create an attorney-client or legal adviser relationship. If you have specific questions, please consult a qualified attorney licensed in your jurisdiction.
This glossary post was last updated: 16th April 2024.
To help you cite our definitions in your bibliography, here is the proper citation layout for the three major formatting styles, with all of the relevant information filled in.
- Page URL:https://dlssolicitors.com/define/queen/
- Modern Language Association (MLA):Queen. dlssolicitors.com. DLS Solicitors. May 09 2024 https://dlssolicitors.com/define/queen/.
- Chicago Manual of Style (CMS):Queen. dlssolicitors.com. DLS Solicitors. https://dlssolicitors.com/define/queen/ (accessed: May 09 2024).
- American Psychological Association (APA):Queen. dlssolicitors.com. Retrieved May 09 2024, from dlssolicitors.com website: https://dlssolicitors.com/define/queen/
Our team of professionals are based in Alderley Edge, Cheshire. We offer clear, specialist legal advice in all matters relating to Family Law, Wills, Trusts, Probate, Lasting Power of Attorney and Court of Protection.
All author posts