Ealdormere is governed by the Crown, which generally consists of a King and Queen. Together with Their Heirs, generally a Crown Prince, and Crown Princess they constitute the Royal Family.
The person who won Crown Tournament, more often the King, is considered to rule “By Right of Arms”. The person who was fought for, more often the Queen, is considered the “Consort”. However, both members of the pair act together to rule the Kingdom.
The Prince or Princess of a Principality is also considered Royalty. Ealdormere does not contain any Principalities, but it was a Principality for many years before it became a Kingdom.
The King and Queen are referred to as “His Royal Majesty” and “Her Royal Majesty” and should be addressed as “Your Majesty”. The Crown Prince and Crown Princess are referred to as “His Royal Highness” and “Her Royal Highness” and should be addressed as “Your Highness”.
Although it is entirely in their preview to rule as They wish, the Royal Family is generally quite involved in Kingdom activities. They are seen often at events, leading the army into battle, commending artists, and giving awards to deserving members of the populace. Many who have been part of the Royal Family see it as their duty to inspire and encourage the populace.
The Royalty may decide to implement a theme into their reign, in order to provide a point of focus for the populace and to encourage them to try new things. This may be an emphasis on a certain culture, such as “Norse” or “Tudor”, or a different point of focus such as “Favorite things in the SCA”. Events and people are then encouraged to work with the reign theme.
After the coronation of a King and Queen, a Crown Prince and Princess are chosen through right of arms at Crown Tournament. The Crown Princes and Princess are then crowned King and Queen when their predecessors reign is over. In Ealdormere, Coronation is held in April and September, meaning that the summer reign is five months and the winter reign is seven months. Crown Tournament is held in May and October.
Although no longer considered Royalty after they step down, there is rank bestowed to those who have served as King or Queen. Someone who has reigned as King once is bestowed the title of Count, and he who has reigned as King twice or more is bestowed the title of Duke. Similarly, one who has reigned as Queen once is bestowed the title of Countess, and she who has reigned as Queen twice or more is bestowed the title of Duchess.
When a Prince or Princess of a Principality steps down, he or she is bestowed the title of Viscount or Viscountess. As Ealdormere does not contain any Principalities, the award of Viscounty is not awarded. However, there are still those active in the Kingdom who hold said title from the days when Ealdormere itself was a Principality.
A Consort is also inducted into the Order of the Rose when she or he steps down from her or his first reign.