Princely houses are noble families that historically ruled over specific territories or regions, often holding significant political power and influence. These families typically trace their lineage back to a common ancestor and have maintained their status through generations. Examples include the House of Windsor in the United Kingdom and the House of Habsburg in Austria. Members of princely houses often held titles such as prince, duke, or count, and they played crucial roles in governance, military leadership, and diplomacy. While many princely houses have lost their political power due to modern governance, they still hold cultural and historical significance in their respective countries.