Prince consort

A prince consort is the husband of a monarch who is not a monarch himself. When a woman rules as a queen, her husband is usually called a prince consort instead of a king. This is because many monarchies think the title of king is too high for someone who is not the main ruler. Even though he is not the king, a prince consort often has important duties and helps with the work of the royal family. In some places, the husband of a queen may be called a king consort, but this is less common. The role of a prince consort varies in different countries, but it always shows the special position of supporting the queen.

Usage in Europe

United Kingdom

In the United Kingdom, the title Prince Consort belongs only to Prince Albert. His wife, Queen Victoria, gave him this title in 1857. Before Prince Albert, only five men had been male consorts in English, Scottish, or British history. These men were the husbands of Mary I of England, Queen Anne, and Mary, Queen of Scots.

The titles of these earlier male consorts were different. For example, Philip of Spain, husband of Mary I, was made king during her reign. But Prince George of Denmark, husband of Queen Anne, had no British titles except the Dukedom of Cumberland. The titles of the husbands of Mary, Queen of Scots, were unclear and caused problems during her time as queen.

More recently, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, husband of Elizabeth II, became a prince of the United Kingdom in 1957 after Elizabeth became queen in 1952. Some people thought he should be called Prince Consort, like Prince Albert.

Other countries

In 1731, Jacques I became the prince consort of Monaco after his wife, Louise Hippolyte, became the sovereign princess.

In 2005, Prince Henrik, husband of Margrethe II of Denmark, was given the title of prince consort. He had wanted to be called "king consort," but this was not allowed. In 2016, he said that when he retired, he would use the title of prince again, the same title he had when he married Margrethe in 1967.

King consort

A king consort or emperor consort is a special title for the husband of a ruling queen. This title is used very rarely. One example is Mary, Queen of Scots, whose husband Henry Stuart, Lord Darnley was called "King of Scots." Another example is Isabella II of Spain, whose husband Francis, Duke of Cádiz became king consort when they married.

List of male consorts

The role of a prince consort is to support the monarch, who is usually a queen. The husband does not become king because this title is often seen as more important than that of a queen.

Here are some notable male consorts from history:

• Denmark: Prince Henrik of Denmark was the husband of Queen Margrethe II.

• United Kingdom/Great Britain:

  • Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha was the husband of Queen Victoria.
  • Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh was the husband of Queen Elizabeth II.

• Netherlands:

  • Prince Bernhard of Lippe-Biesterfeld was the husband of Queen Juliana.
  • Prince Claus of the Netherlands was the husband of Queen Beatrix.

• Monaco: Jacques I, Prince of Monaco was first the husband of the sovereign princess Louise Hippolyte before becoming a monarch himself.

These examples show how male consorts have helped their queens throughout history.