queen dowager
King's surviving consort
A queen dowager is the widow of a king.
The title distinguishes her from the reigning monarch's wife, the queen consort.
A queen dowager retains her royal status and title after her husband's death but holds no ruling power.
The queen dowager resided at the summer palace after her son took the throne.
- widowBereaved wife, unmarried since
- matriarchFemale family leader
- throneCeremonial chair for sovereigns
- royal courtMonarch's official household
- majesticImpressively dignified and beautiful
ruler · regent · power behind the throne · consort · royalty · regency council · regal · venerable · mourning · black veil · ceremonial roles · court etiquette · inheritance · elder · matronly · succession planning · bereavement · monarchy
- Royal Womenempress, princesses, consorts, empresses, crown princess
royal status and power
queen dowagersovereign
Supreme in power
king · monarch · heir apparent · crown prince · crown princess