Definitions – S, T, U, V

These definitions are based on how the terms are used in today’s monarchies, especially in Europe. Some of these terms have slightly different meanings in historical, or non-royal contexts or in monarchies outside to Europe.

S

Sovereign

The person (e.g., a King, Queen, Grand Duke, Emperor) who monarch over a possesses supreme political power or sovereignty.

Sovereign Prince

A reigning Prince usually over a principality (e.g., The Prince of Monaco). See Fürst/in.

Succession

The rule-based order of who becomes the next monarch/title holder after the current one dies, abdicates, etc.

T

Te Deum

A short religious service of blessing or thanks. Te Deum services are held to mark important events, such as: royal births, milestone birthdays, jubilees, or National Day.

We see Te Deum services regularly held by:

Belgium
Luxembourg
Sweden

U

UAE

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a monarchy in the Middle East. It is made up of seven emirates that have come together to form a federation. Each emirate is its own little monarchy, rules by a sheikh.

The UAE as a whole is ruled by a President, Vice President & Prime Minister. While these are elected/appointed positions, the position is usually renewed. Most people in these positions serve until their death or they move to a higher position.

The seven emirates in the UAE:

Abu Dhabi
Dubai
Sharjah
Ajman
Umm Al Quwain
Ras Al Khaimah
Fujairah

V

Von

Germany for “of”. “Von” is one of the Nobiliary particles. “Von” is used before the surname/placename of Nobility or Royalty to indicates the family is from that place (historically). (It is usually written lowercase). “Von” is older than the “zu” and “von und zu.” And so was used on it’s own before the distinction needed to be made.

Also see “Von und Zu” below.

Von und Zu

German for “of and at”. “Von und zu” is one of the Nobiliary particles. “Von und zu” is used before the surname/placename of Nobility or Royalty to indicates the family is from and still residing at that place. In other words, the family has a connect to that location in the past and present. (It is usually written will all lowercase).

Many nobility started as just “von.” The move to “von und zu” often happened to distinguish from a cadet branch of the house that is no longer residing at that place.