Celestial Saga

A female member of a royal family, usually the daughter or granddaughter of a king or queen. The word “princess” comes from the Latin “princeps”, meaning “first, chief, or leader”. The term has been used to denote various ranks and roles of women in different historical and cultural contexts, such as heiresses, consorts, regents, or rulers. In this article, we will explore some of the common aspects of the station and function of a princess in medieval Europe, as well as some of the variations and exceptions that existed.

The Station of a Princess

The station of a princess was determined by her birth, marriage, and inheritance. A princess by birth was a daughter of a reigning monarch, or a granddaughter of a monarch through the male line. A princess by marriage was a wife of a prince, or a widow of a prince who did not remarry. A princess by inheritance was a female who inherited a throne or a claim to a throne, either in her own right or through her husband.

The station of a princess conferred a high social status and a significant role in the affairs of the realm. A princess was expected to uphold the ideals of nobility, piety, and virtue, and to be a model of grace, beauty, and intelligence. A princess was also a valuable asset in the diplomatic and political relations of her family, as she could be married off to a foreign prince or lord to secure an alliance, a peace treaty, or a territorial claim. A princess could also influence the succession of the throne, either by producing heirs or by supporting a claimant.

The station of a princess also came with some rights and privileges, such as owning property, receiving education, and having a personal retinue. However, these rights and privileges were often limited and subject to the authority and will of her father, husband, or brother. A princess had to obey the laws and customs of her family and her country, and to respect the hierarchy and etiquette of the court. A princess also had to face the challenges and dangers of living in a turbulent and violent era, such as wars, rebellions, intrigues, plagues, and witch-hunts.

The function of a princess was to serve her family, her husband, and her people, while also pursuing her own interests and passions. Depending on the circumstances and opportunities, a princess could perform various functions, such as:

• A bride: A princess was often betrothed or married at a young age, sometimes without her consent or choice, to a foreign or domestic prince or lord. The main purpose of these marriages was to strengthen the political and dynastic ties between the families, and to produce heirs for the succession. A princess had to adapt to the culture and customs of her new home, and to bear the risks and responsibilities of childbirth and motherhood. A princess also had to deal with the challenges and conflicts of her marital relationship, such as love, loyalty, jealousy, infidelity, or abuse.
• A consort: A princess who married a reigning king or prince became a queen or a princess consort, respectively. As a consort, a princess had to support and advise her husband in his governance, and to represent him in his absence. A consort also had to act as a patron of the arts, the church, and the charities, and to promote the welfare and education of her subjects. A consort could also exercise some influence or authority in the political and military affairs of the realm, either directly or indirectly, depending on her personality, skills, and circumstances.
• A regent: A princess who inherited a throne or a claim to a throne, or who was appointed by her husband or father, could act as a regent, or a temporary ruler, in the absence, minority, or incapacity of the rightful monarch. As a regent, a princess had to assume the full powers and duties of the sovereign, and to deal with the challenges and threats of ruling a kingdom, such as wars, rebellions, invasions, or crises. A regent also had to face the opposition and resistance of the nobility, the clergy, or the people, who might question her legitimacy, competence, or authority.
• A ruler: A princess who inherited a throne or a claim to a throne, or who usurped or conquered a throne, could become a queen regnant, or a reigning monarch in her own right. As a ruler, a princess had to assert and defend her sovereignty, and to govern her realm with justice and wisdom. A ruler also had to expand and protect her territories, and to maintain the peace and prosperity of her kingdom. A ruler had to balance the interests and demands of the various factions and groups in her society, such as the nobility, the clergy, the commons, or the foreign powers.