the Queen Consort

The Queen Consort is a title used to refer to the wife of a reigning king. The queen consort usually holds an official position in the royal court, but can also be seen as being merely ceremonial and not actively involved with government or politics.

In many monarchies, when a new king ascends the throne his wife immediately becomes queen consort. In some countries however, such as England from 1066-1901 AD, women may become queens regnant (in other words rulers) on their own right due to inheritance laws that bypassed male heirs in line for succession if necessary. This has now been changed so that males always take precedence over females in terms of inheriting titles like kingship/queenship and duchy’s etc..

Queen Consorts have traditionally had very little political power compared to their husbands; they are often associated with traditional female roles such as motherhood and domesticity rather than public service or policy making decisions – though there have been exceptions depending on individual circumstances throughout history: Eleanor of Aquitaine was one example who wielded considerable influence during her husband’s reign while Isabella I of Castile is credited with helping initiate Spain’s golden age through her diplomatic skill and vision for expansionism .

Queens Consorts may hold certain privileges unique to them alone; for instance Anne Boleyn received special dispensation from Henry VIII allowing her title “My Lady The King’s Most Excellent Majesty” which no other woman held before nor after she became queen consort until Victoria was granted similar rights by William IV .

There is much debate surrounding what happens once a Queen Consorts enters widowhood – does she retain any part of her former status? Although it varies between different cultures generally speaking widowed queens don’t maintain any sort of official role within society although they may still continue living at court under their old title out respect albeit without actual power or responsibility attached thereto anymore .