1885-86 Queen-Governor and Regent of the Realm H.M. Doña María Cristina de Austria y Austria-Este of Spain 
1886-1902 Queen Regent

Regent of Spain and its colonies, first during the vacancy of the throne and pending the gestation of a posthumous heir - her son Alfonso XIII (1886-1931-41), who was born 6 months after the death of her husband Alfonso XII. As President of the Council of State she was in close contact with the Premier and the other ministers. Politically the period was characterized, by constant switching of terms in office by the liberal and conservative political parties. Cuba, the Philippines and Puerto Rico were lost to USA. During her term in office, a wavering policy was used for facing the problems in Morocco during the first war of Melilla, (1893). Also, by agreement with France, the borders of the Spanish Continental Guinea were established, (1900). The regent was always highly esteemed because of her great discretion and tact and, after her son came of age, she devoted herself exclusively to family life and charitable works. María Cristina was born as Her Imperial and Royal Highness Archduchess of Austria-Hungary, Princess of Este and had been Princess-Abbess of Prague 1875-79, and lived (1859-1929).

1890-1948 H.M. Wilhelmina, By the Grace of God Queen of the Netherlands (23.11.1890-04.09.1948)

Also Princess of Oranje-Nassau etc, etc, etc. The Netherlands at the time included Oostindia (Indonesia), Dutch Guyana (Suriname) and The Nederlanse Antillen. Her mother, Emma zu Waldeck-Pyrmont, acted as regent 1890-98. Although a Queen in a constitutional monarchy she in fact had absolute veto power over any legislation, appointed each member of the Council of State, and could alone dissolve the States-General. Tactful, and careful to operate within the limitations of what was expected by the Dutch people and their elected representatives, a strong-willed Wilhelmina became a forceful personality who spoke and acted her mind. Her shrewd investments would make her the wealthiest woman in the world and the first woman to ever accumulate a net worth in excess of a billion dollars. In 1940 Germany invaded the Netherlands and Queen Wilhelmina and her family had to flee to England, where she took charge of the Dutch government, setting up a chain of command and immediately communicating a message to her people. She broadcast messages to the Dutch people over Radio Orange, which was eagerly awaited by her people who had to hide in order to illegally listen to them under penalty of death. During the war, the Queen was almost killed by a German bomb that took the life of several of her guards and severely damaged her country home near South Mimms, England. After the war she oversaw the reconstruction of the devastated country, but abdicated for health reasons in favour of her only child, Juliana.  Wilhelmina was married to Duke Heinrich zu Mecklenburg-Schwerin (Prince Hendrik of the Netherlands), and lived (1880-1964).

Became Umugabekazi (Queen Mother) by the death of her husband King Kigeri IV Rwabigi and twice acted as regent for her son Yuhi V wa Musinga (1896-31). Rwanda was a Belgian colony at the time.

1899-1921 Regent Indlovukazi Labotsibeni Gwamile Ndluli laMvelase of Swaziland 
1921-25 Joint-Head of State

Reigned until the installation of her grand-son as king Shobuza II (1921-82). After the South African War the British established their colonial rule in Swaziland in August 1902, and she devoted her energy challenging the British colonial state on various issues ranging from land to legal jurisdiction over the emaSwati. She remained Deputy Head of State until her death. (Died 1925).

1908-12 De-facto Co-Regent, H.I.H. Dowager Empress Xiao Ding Jing Long Yu Huagtaihou of China (13.11-06.12)
1911-12 Empress-Regent (6.12-12.2)

Dowager Empress Cixi entrusted a vaguely specified Imperial authority to her and she became the holder of the Imperial Seal and exercised the Imperial authority. In 1911 the regent and father of Emperor Puyi (1906-1908-12-67), Prince Zaifeng, resigned. At 6.12.12 she presided over the final cabinet meeting of the Qing Dynasty and was forced to sign the imperial abdication decree, which abolished the monarchy. Long Yu was niece of Empress Cixi and the childless widow of Emperor Zaitian. She lived (1868-1913).

1908 Lieutenant-Representant H.R.H Grande Duchesse Maria-Anna da Bragança of Luxembourg (19.03-18.11)
1908-1912 Grande Duchesse Regent (18.11-14.06)

Regent during the illness of her husband, Gand Duke Guillaume (19.3.08-25.12.), and the minority of her daughter Grand-Duchess Marie-Adelheide (25.2-14.6). She was born as Infanta of Portugal and Princess of Bragança, mother of six daughters, and lived (1861-1942).

1908-15 President of the Council of Regency Mugabekazi Nidi Ririkumutima of Burundi
1915-17 Member of the Council of Regency

As Queen Mother (Mugabekazi) she was regent for her stepson, Mutaga IV Mbikije (1903-08-15), and his son Mwambutsa IV Bangiriceng (1912-15-66-77). Her full name was, Nidi Ririkumutima Bizama hitanzimiza Mwezi, and she was probably murdered in 1917. Since 1972 the Head of the Sovereign Family has been Crown Princess Rose Paula Iribagiza of Burundi. 

1911-ca. 18 Regent H.H. Svasti Sri Sri Sri Sri Sri Sriman Maharajadhiraja Patta Rajninam Bada Maharani Revati Raman Rajya Lakshmi Devi Shahamam Sada Sabhajnabtinam of Nepal

Also known as Ratna Divyeshwari Devi, she became regent after the death of her husband, Prithivi Bir Bikram Shah Deva (1875-81-1911), for her stepson, Tibhubana (1906-11-55). At the time, however, the position of monarch was mainly titular, with real power in the country residing in the powerful, conservative Rana family, which supplied the country with its hereditary prime minister. And tensions between the royal family and the Ranas came to a head during World War I. The Ranas wanted to join the war in support of Britain, which controlled India to the south. She, however, supported the army, which wanted to remain neutral. To win the military's support, the prime minister, Chandra Shumshere Rana, blackmailed the young king into ordering the troops to go to war by holding a gun to his mother's head and threatening to kill her if he did not follow his orders. Over the following years, the king was kept a prisoner in the palace and blackmailed into following the Rana's whims, which included suppressing any attempts at modernization and democratization. She was born as Princess from Rajputana or Kangra.  Born as a Rajput princess from Kangra in Punjab, and lived (1878-1926).

1912-19 H.R.H. Marie-Adélheïde, By the Grace of God Grande Duchess of Luxembourg, Duchess of Nassau, Countess-Palatine and Electress of the Rhine, Countess of Sayn, Hadenburg, Königstein, Krazenborgen and Dietz, Burgravine of Hammerstein, Dame of Mahlberg, Wiesbaden, Idstein, Merenberg, Limburg and Eppstein (25.02-14.01)

Marie-Adelheide first reigned under the regency of her mother. In 1914, German troops invaded, in the face of protests from the Grand Duchess and her government. However, the occupation had little effect on the day-to-day government. She saw the death of the Prime Minister, Paul Eyschenin in 1915 as an opportunity to become more involved in the political affairs of the Grand Duchy. In the face of opposition, and in spite of accusations that she was acting outside the spirit of the constitution, she appointed a right-wing minority government. Her actions aroused hostility among the socialists, who had been advocating the abolition of the monarchy since 1907. On the day following the German armistice in 1918, the socialists accused the Grand Duchess of having had a pro-German stance, stemming from her reception of Emperor Wilhelm II in 1914. In January 1919, opposition to the Grand Duchess lead to revolutionary protests, and she was persuaded that she would have to abdicate in order to preserve the monarchy. Her abdication took place on 9 January 1919 and she was succeeded by her sister, Princess Charlotte. Marie-Adelaide became a nun, joining the Carmelite Order in Modena, Italy. She lived (1894-1924).

1916-30 Negiste Nagast Zawditu, Elect of God, Lion of the Tribe of Judah and Queen of Kings of Ethiopia

Also known as Zawditu. Her father, Menelik II, died in 1913 and was succeed by Lij Iyasu, the son of her half-sister Shewa Regga, and she was exiled to the countryside. When he was removed from power the Council of State and the Ethiopian Orthodox Church officially appointed her as his successor. After some years, her husband, Ras Gugsa Welle, was appointed governor of a remote province to limit the influence of her stepmother - and his aunt - Dowager Empress Taytu. And Lij Iyasu, who had escaped captivity, attempted to regain the throne by force, but was not successful. She was conservative, believing in the preservation of Ethiopian tradition, and had the strong backing of the church in this belief. Slowly, however, she began to withdraw from active politics, leaving more and more power to Ras Tafari Makonnen, who was a modernizer. Under his direction, Ethiopia entered the League of Nations, and abolished slavery. She busied herself with religious activities, such as the construction of a number of significant churches. After an uprising against his reforms in 1928, she granted him the title of Regent and the additional title of Negus. In 1930, her husband led a rebellion against Negist Tafari, but was killed in battle. Shortly after she died and was succeeded by Tafari, who took the name Haile Selassie I. She was originally named Askala Mariam, and had by her second husband she had a daughter who lived (1891-95) and by her third another who died at birth in 1906. Married 4 times, she died of diabetes after having lived (1876-1930).

1917-18 Head of the Government Evheniya Bohdanivna Bosch, Ukraine (17.12-09.03)

1918-65 H.M. Kuini Sālote Mafile'o Pilolevu Veiongo Tupou III, By the Grace of God Queen of Tonga

Generally known as Queen Salote Tupou III, she was absolute ruler and President of the Privy Council, the 21. Tu’i Kano’kupolu and 1923-65 Head of the Free Wesleyan Church of Tonga, the National (Methodist) Church. Her husband, Prince Viliami Tupoulahi Tungī Mailefihi, was a member of the nobility and a sideline of the royal family, and held the office of Premier from 1923, until his death in 1941. She then appointed her son, the crown prince, as Premier. He succeeded her as Tauf’ahau Toupu IV (1918-1965-). She brought Tonga to international attention when she attended the 1953 coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in London, endearing herself to the British people by riding through the streets in an open carriage, smiling and waving, in the pouring rain. She was a keen writer and author of countless dance songs and love poems (hiva kakala) as well as majestic lakalaka. She served as Chairman of the Tonga Traditions Committee 1954–1965, patronised the Tonga Red Cross Society. She died 16 December 1965 at Aotea Hospital, Auckland, after a long illness. She was 191 centimetres tall and mother of three sons, and lived  (1900-65).

1919-64 HRH. Charlotte, By the Grace of God Grande Duchesse of Luxembourg, Duchess of Nassau, Countess-Palatine and Electress of the Rhine, Countess of Sayn, Hadenburg, Königstein, Krazenborgen and Dietz, Burgravine of Hammerstein, Dame of Mahlberg, Wiesbaden, Idstein, Merenberg, Limburg and Eppstein
1940-44 Leader of the Government-in-Exile from London (10.05-10.09)

When her sister, Marie-Adelaide, abdicated, support for the monarchy was at an all-time low and it was made clear that, if the monarchy were to survive at all, Charlotte would have to remain above political affairs. The Constitution was amended, limiting the monarch's formal powers. These acts restored the reputation of the monarchy, and in a referendum on 28.09 1919, 77.8% voted in favour of the monarchy. On 10.05 1940 the German Army invaded, and she went into exile with her family, determined to avoid capture by the Germans, and eventually settled in London, where the exile-government was already operating. She maintained contact with her people through regular radio broadcasts on the BBC. The years following the war were marked by a period of reconstruction, during which the Grand Duchess symbolised the solidarity of the Luxembourg people. She made numerous official visits abroad, promoting her small nation's position on the international stage. During the 1950s, she sold off many of the family's properties in Germany, including Biebrich Palace in Wiesbaden and Hohenburg Castle in Bavaria, reinforcing Luxembourg's position as the permanent home of the grand-ducal family. In 1961 her son, Jean, was appointed regent and in 1964 she abdicated in his favour. Married to Prince Felix de Bourbon-Parma (1893-1970), and mother of six children. She lived (1896-1985).

1920 Regent H.M. Dowager Queen Olga of Greece (18.11-11.12)

Born HIH Grand Duchess Olga Konstantinovna Romanova of Russia, she was acting head of state after her grandson Alexander I (1917-20) had died after a monkey bite, until her son Contantinos I returned to take over the throne a second time - he reigned (1913-17) and (1920-22). She lived (1851-1926).

1927-74 Dame Sibyl Mary Beaumont Hathaway of Sark (Channel Island)

Also known as La Dame du Serq, she succeeded her father William Collings as the 21st Seigneur of the Sark. Her second husband, Robert Hathaway (1888-1954) became Seigneur in the right of his wife in accordance with the ancient custom, but Sibyl remained firmly in charge. She was also President and member of a number of committees of the Chief Pleas. She appointed her youngest daughter Jehanne Bell as Deputy Seigneur 1946-68. She was knighted by Queen Elizabeth and granted the title Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire. Sibyl outlived all but two children and was succeeded by her grandson. She lived (1884-1974).

1932-19.. Head Woman Frances Repetto, Tristan da Cunha (Dependency of St. Helena (United Kingdom Dependency))

The Head Woman was Chairperson of the Women's Council, which was (concerned with the welfare of women and children. She was the mother of one of the Head Men of the Islands.

1941-60 Acting Paramount Chief The Mofumahali 'MaNtsebo Amalia 'Matsaba Sempe of Basutoland (Lesotho)

Reigned after the death of her husband and succeeded as ruler of the British protectorate of Basutoland - now known as Leshoto - by her son, Moshoeshoe II, who was King 1960-70, 1970-88 and 1990-96. She lived (1902-65).

1947 and 1948 Princess-Regent Juliana of the Netherlands 
1948-80 By the Grace of God Queen of the Netherlands 

Member of the Council of State from her 18th birthday in 1927. From 1927 to 1930, she attended lectures at Leiden University. Regent during the illness of her mother, Wilhelmina and succeeded her upon her abdication. The people of the Netherlands watched as their Queen often appeared in public dressed like any ordinary Dutch woman. Like her mother had out of necessity, Queen Juliana began riding a bicycle for exercise and fresh air. She began visiting with the citizens of the nearby towns and, unannounced, would drop in on social institutions and schools. Her refreshingly straightforward manner and talk made her a powerful public speaker. On the international stage, Queen Juliana was particularly interested in the problems of developing countries, the refugee problem, and had a very special interest in child welfare, particularly in the developing countries. In 1949, she signed the documents transferring sovereignty to Indonesia and in 1954 she gave her assent to the Charter for the Kingdom of the Netherlands, which formed the basis for cooperation between the three remaining parts of the Kingdom: the Netherlands, Suriname and the Netherlands Antilles. Suriname became an independent republic in 1975. Closely involved in social questions and involved in the running of the government until her abdication in favour of her oldest daughter, Queen Beatrix. She has since been known as HRH Princess Juliana of the Netherlands, and since the early 1990s, she has gradually withdrawn from public life. Also Princess van Oranje Nassau, Duchess van Mecklenburg-Schwerin etc, etc, etc., she was married to Prince Bernhard zu Lippe-Biesterfeld (1911-2004), and mother of four daughters. She lived (1909-2004).

1952- H.M. Elizabeth II of United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and Her other Realms and Territories Queen, Defender of the Faith, Head of the Commonwealth 

Until 1953 her title was Queen of Great Britain, Ireland and the British Overseas Dominions. She is head if state in 15 countries apart from Great Britain and as Head of the Commonwealth, she is the front person of the organization of many other former British colonies and territories. She is the first child of The Duke and Duchess of York. Although when born it was unlikely that she would become Queen, events in the 1930s led to her father's Accession and her becoming heir to the Throne. Her reign takes place during a period of great social change, she has carried out her political duties as Head of State, the ceremonial responsibilities of the Sovereign and an unprecedented programme of visits in the United Kingdom, Commonwealth and overseas. Elizabeth Alexandra Mary is the mother of three sons and a daughter. Married to Phillip Mountbatten, former Prince of Greece. (b. 1926-).  

1952-53 Head of the Regency Council H.M. Queen Zein al-Sharaf of Jordan

In her official Jordanian biography it says that her political instincts and courage allowed her to successfully fill a constitutional vacuum after the assassination of the late King Abdullah in 1951, while the newly proclaimed King Talal was being treated outside the Kingdom for his mental illness. When he was deposed in August 1952 she was regent until her son, Hussein I, until he turned 18 in May the following year. She played a major role in the political development of the Kingdom in the early 1950s, and took part in the writing of the 1952 Constitution that gave full rights to women and enhanced the social development of the country. Born in Egypt as daughter of the Court Chamberlain, Sharif Jamal Ali bin Nasser, she was mother of three sons and a daughter, and lived (1916-94).

1953-54 Acting Head of State Sühbaataryn Yanjmaa, Mongolia 

Member of the Politburo of the Mongolian People's Revolutionary Party (MPRP) 1940-54, Secretary of the Central Committee of the MPRP 1941-47), was member of the Presidium of the Little Hüral 1940-50 and of the People's Great Hüral 1950-62, and as 1. Deputy Chair of the Great Hüral since 1950, she took over during a vacancy on the post of Head of State and Chairperson of the Hüral. ) She was the widow of the great national hero Damdiny Sühbaatar (1893-1923), born as Nemendeyen Yanjmaa and lived (1893-1963).

1953-58 H.H. Queen Aloisia Lavelua of Uvea (Wallis and Futuna) (French External Territory)

The Monarchs and chiefs are still involved with the government of the French External Territory Wallis and Futuna. After the death of King Kapeliele Tufele Lavelua (1950-53), the Council of Ministers reigned until Soane Toke Lavelua became king for one day - 18.-19. December. On 22. December Aloisia became Queen. After her abdication, the Council of Ministers again reigned until Tomasi Kulimoetoke II became king at the 12th of March 1959 and reigned until 2007.

1956 Regent H.M. Somdetch Pra Nang Chao Sirikit Phra Baromma Rajini Nath of Thailand (22.10-07.12)

Took the oath as regent before the National Assembly, as her husband, King Bhumibol, retired to do the traditional Buddhist studies. She was born as Mom Rajawong Sikrit Kitiyakara of Chandaburi - as a distant member of the royal family. Since 1956 she has had the title Somdetch Pra Nang Chao Sirikit Phra Baromma Rajini Nath (Queen Regent) and still occasionally acts as Deputy Head of State. Mother of a son and three daughters. (b. 1932).

1960-70 Ceremonial Head of State, Symbol, Incarnation and Representative of the Crown H.M. Queen Sisovath Monivong Kossomak Nearieath Serey Cathana of Cambodia (20.06-18.03)

In 1955 she was crowned with her husband King Norodom Suramit, who succeeded their son, Prince Norodom Sihanouk who had succeeded her father as king in 1941. After her husband’s death, After her husband’s death she was officially nominated as Queen Regnant in the Crown Council, but instead her son became Head of State after a referendum, and during the swearing-in ceremony in the National Assembly he declared that "The Queen Kossamak incarnate and represent the Cambodian Dynasty". She carried out the ceremonial duties and was in effect Queen Regnant without reigning. After her son was deposed in 1970 she spend the rest of her life in exile in Beijing. She lived (1904-75).  

1960-65, 1970-77 and 1994-2000 Prime Minister Hon. Sirimavo Ratwatte Dias Bandaranaike, Sri Lanka

As Prime Minister, she also held the posts as Minister of Foreign Affairs, Defence, Finance etc. She was the world's first female Prime minister, and was born into an influential Sri Lankan family, many of whose members had been involved in politics. In 1940, in an arranged marriage, she wed the politician Solomon Bandaranaike, who was 17 years her senior. Her husband became Prime minister in 1951, but she did not take a prominent political role herself at this time. However, when a Buddhist extremist assassinated him in 1959, she campaigned to succeed him and won the ensuing election. During her second term of office her domestic policies of nationalization and social welfare proved popular with her Sinhalese compatriots, as did the creation of a Sri Lankan republic in 1972. Yet the attempt to make Sinhalese the island's official language - long a goal of her husband - alienated the Tamil minority population. Economic difficulties and charges of corruption caused her downfall in 1977. In 1980 she was convicted of abuse of power during her term as Prime minister and debarred from office for four years. 1988 Presidential Candidate and before her appointment to Prime Minister in 1994, she was Senior Minister without Portfolio (Second in Cabinet) in her daughter, Chandrika's Kumaratunge's cabinet. She was Chairperson 1960-93 and 1993-2000 President of Sri Lanka Freedom Party, 1965-70 and 1988-94 Leader of The Opposition and 1976 Chairperson of the Association of Non Aligned Nations. Two of her three children are also politicians. She lived (1916-2000).

1966-77 and 1980-84 (†) Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, India

President 1959-60 and 1966-77 Leader of the Congress Party. She was Minister of Information 1964-66 and member of Rajya Sabha 1964-67 and of Lok Sabha 1967-77, 1978 and 1980-84. In 1975 she declared a stated of emergency and ruled as a dictator. As Prime Minister she held a number of other portfolios. She lost the 1977-elections and was imprisoned. She was remarkable for her ambition for personal power, her endurance and political tenacity. On a world front she insisted on India's independence, gradually loosening the ties with the USSR developed in the early 1970s when China seemed menacing, and was a forceful spokeswomen for the rights of poorer nations. Her ruthless and autocratic methods were often at variance with her democratic principles and she continued to face determined opposition in India, especially in 1983 and early 1984 when in response to disturbances among Sikhs in the Punjab she sent in government troops, who sacked the Golden Temple of Amritsar. She was assassinated in the garden of her official residence in New Delhi by two Sikh bodyguards, and India was plunged into sectarian violence, during which over 1000 people died. Her son Rajiv Gandhi was immediately sworn in as Prime Minister. She lived (1917-84).

1966-2006 The Maori Queen Te Ata-i Rangi-Kaahu Koroki Te Rata Mahuta Tawhiao Potatau in New Zealand  

Also known as Te Arikinui Te Ātairangikaahu te Kuīni Māori or Te Arikinui Dame Te Atairangikaahu, she was usually addressed as Te Arikinui, or Dame Te Ata, and was Queen or Kingitanga of the Tainui and Ariki nui (Paramount Chief) of the other Maori Groups and Tribes. A direct descendant of the first Màori King, Pòtatau Te Wherowhero, and daughter of King Korokì V. Her role was only titular, but she was very influential and hosted many royal and diplomatic visitors to New Zealand, and she represented her people at state events overseas. She supported both traditional and contemporary Màori arts, and urged her people to pursue quality and excellence in everything they did, from sports to tribal enterprise and national management, and attended 28 Poukai (formal Maori assemblies) each year. She had expressed to the wish to be succeeded by her oldest child, Princess Heeni Katipa, but the tribes elected her third child and oldest son as king. Born as Piki Paki (nee Mahuta), she was mother of 5 daughters and 2 sons, and lived (1932-2006).

1967-72 Governor The Hon. Dr. Dame Hilda Louisa Bynoe, Grenada (British Dependency)     

A former doctor and Hospital Administrator she is so far the only woman to have been governor of one of the British Dependencies. (b. 1921).

1969-74 Minister President Golda Meïr, Israel

1946-48 Acting head of the political department of the Jewish Agency, 1948-49 Ambassador to the Soviet Union, Minister of Labour and National Insurance 1949-56, Minister of Foreign Affairs 1956-66 when she became Secretary-General first of Mapai and then of the newly formed "Alignment" (made up of three Labour factions). Upon the death of Prime Minister Levi Eshkol in 1969, she was chosen to succeed him as the  "consensus candidate". In the October 1969 elections, she led her party to victory. Shortly after she took office, the War of Attrition - sporadic military actions along the Suez Canal, which escalated into full-scale war - ended in a cease-fire agreement with Egypt. Though the cease-fire was broken time and again by the advancement of Egyptian missiles on the Suez Canal front, it did bring a three-year period of tranquillity, shattered only in October 1973 by the Yom Kippur War. As Prime Minister, Golda Meir concentrated much of her energies on the diplomatic front - artfully mixing personal diplomacy with skilful use of the mass media. Armed with an iron will, a warm personality and grandmotherly image, simple but highly effective rhetoric and a "shopping list," she successfully solicited financial and military aid in unprecedented measure. She showed strong leadership during the surprise attack of the Yom Kippur War, securing an American airlift of arms while standing firm on the terms of disengagement-of-forces negotiations and rapid return of POWs. After she led her party to victory in the December 1973 elections, she resigned in mid-1974. She was born in Russia as Golda Mabovic and later immigrated to USA. Mother of two children and she lived (1898-1978).

1969-71 Administrator Elizabeth P. Farrington of the United Nations Trust Territories of the Pacific Islands [USA]

Director of the Office of the Territories in the United State Department of the Interior that administered the Pacific Island Territory for the United Nation.