Queens in History

Women. Wisdom. Influence.

Queens in History

A crown can catch your eye. The woman beneath it is what interests us.

These queens lived in worlds very different from ours. Their stories invite us to consider courage, ambition and influence, along with the privileges and consequences of power. Today, we’re claiming queen in our own way, celebrating women who lead companies, strengthen communities and turn a lifetime of experience into something meaningful.

Explore Queens From History. Select a portrait to read her story.

Emma of Hawaiʻi, historical portrait

Emma of Hawaiʻi

Care That Became an Institution

Read her story
Liliʻuokalani, historical portrait

Liliʻuokalani

A Voice Beyond the Throne

Read her story
Elizabeth I, historical portrait

Elizabeth I

Judgment Under Public Scrutiny

Read her story
Taytu Betul, historical portrait

Taytu Betul

Strategy With Practical Power

Read her story
Nzinga, later artistic depictionLater depiction

Nzinga

Diplomacy, Resistance and Reckoning

Read her story
Christina of Sweden, historical portrait

Christina of Sweden

The Choice to Begin Again

Read her story
Lakshmibai, later artistic depictionLater depiction

Lakshmibai

The Courage to Resist

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Sālote Tupou III, historical portrait

Sālote Tupou III

A Culture Carried in Song

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Charlotte, historical portrait

Charlotte

Curiosity Beyond the Crown

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Teresa Cristina, historical portrait

Teresa Cristina

Curiosity Becomes a Legacy

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Pōmare IV, historical portrait

Pōmare IV

Leadership Under Colonial Pressure

Read her story
Ranavalona III, historical portrait

Ranavalona III

A Country Beyond the Crown

Read her story
Victoria, historical portrait

Victoria

Influence Carries Responsibility

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Cixi, historical portrait

Cixi

The Image and the Impact

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Supayalat, historical portrait

Supayalat

Power, Exile and Perspective

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Marie Antoinette, historical portrait

Marie Antoinette

The Woman Beyond the Image

Read her story

The crown takes many forms.

The stories continue with women in our own communities. Meet the queens building businesses, beginning again and deciding what they want their experience to make possible.

Meet Our Queens

This gallery includes reigning queens, consorts, empresses and regents. Dates shown are lifespans. Each profile includes historical sources and its portrait record.