A Queen Regnant is a female monarch who reigns in her own right, meaning she holds the throne by virtue of her birth and not through marriage. Unlike a queen consort, who is the wife of a king, a queen regnant has the authority to govern and make decisions for her kingdom. Historically, notable examples of queen regnants include Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom and Queen Victoria. These women played significant roles in their countries' histories, often influencing politics, culture, and society during their reigns.