1970 and 1990 Regent H.M. Queen ‘MaMohato Thabita 'Masente Lerotholi Mojela of Lesotho 
1996 Regent The Mofumahali (Queen Mother) 

In 1970 she took over the regency for her son who was installed as king in place of her husband, King Moshoeshoe II, who was deposed during military coup d'etats in 1970 and 1990. In 1996 he was killed in a car-crash, where acted as regent until her son was re-installed as king David Mahato Berng Seeiso Letsie III. He was also king 1970 and 1988-90. She continued to act as Deputy Head of State and advisor of the King and Queen until her death. She was née Princess Tabita ‘Masentle Lerotholi Mojela, and lived (1941-2003).

1970-98-? Rival Head of the Sovereign Family Princess Abigail Kinioki Kekaulike Kawananakoa of Hawai’i (USA)

The niece of Princess Abigail Kapiolani Kawananakoa, she succeeded her mother, Princess Lili’uokalani Kawananakoa Morris as President of the Friends of Iolani Palace. The mother, a grandniece of King Kalakaua I had that position (1966-70). Abigail was President of the society Until 1998. If she is still a claimant is unknown to me. (b. 1926-).

1971-74 De-facto Ruler Simone Ovide Duvalier in Haiti

Known as "Mama Doc", she was widow of dictator Dr. François Duvalier ("Papa Doc"), President 1957-71, who was succeeded by their son, Jean-Claude Duvalier ("Baby Doc") who showed little interest in the government. She remained very powerful till he was ousted in 1986. Mrs. Duvalier was reported to be a voodoo adept, and inspired dread among Haiti's poor and illiterate masses. She lived (Ca. 1913-97).

1971-89 Partner in Power Dr. Margot Honecker in the German Democratic Republic (DDR)

Very influential during her husband, Erik Honecker's tenure as 1. Secretary of the Party of Democratic Socialism (SED) and as Chairman of the State Council (Head of State and Party). They married in 1953 but she already had her own career behind her. She was leader in the Young Socialists prior to and during the war, member of the Provisoric People's Chamber 1949-50 and of the People's Chamber 1950-53 and 1967-90. 1958-63 Vice-Minister and 1963-89 Minister of People's Education and member of the Central Committee of the SED. She was both loathed and feared for her indoctrination of the school children and dogmatic views. Since 1993 she has lived in exile in Chile by her daughter. Erik died in 1994. (b. 1927-).

1971-2003 Temporary Counsellor of State HRH The Princess Royal, Princess Anne of United Kingdom and Great Britain and Northern Ireland

Acted as ruling Counsellor about once a year until her nephew, Prince William of Wales, turned 21. In 1999 she was appointed to the ceremonial position of Golden Stick in Waiting. Only daughter of Queen Elizabeth, married twice and mother of two children. (b. 1950-)

1972- H.M. Margrethe II, by the Grace of God, Denmark's Queen 

As Queen she was also Supreme Commander of the Defence Forces and Head of the Evangelical-Lutheran Church. The Rigsfælleskab - or
Commonwealth of the Realm - includes the external territories of The Faero Islands and Greenland. She has engaged in translation work and made her mark artistically in several genres. She chairs the Council of State, which includes her and the Ministers, after elections she conducts consultations with the parties (Queen's Round (Dronningerunden) and on the advice of the Prime Minister she appoints the next Head of Government and the Ministers. She succeeded her father, Frederik 9, and married to Count Henri de Laborde de Monpezat, Prince Henrik. Margrethe Alexandrine þorhildur Ingrid is mother of two sons. (b. 1940-).

1972 Regent H.M. Queen Ashi Kesang of Bhutan 

Queen Kesang-la Chöden was appointed regent during the illness of her husband, King Druk Gylapo Jingme Dorje Wangchuck (1959-72). Their son King Jingme Singye Wangchuk (1955/1972- ) succeeded him at the age of 17. She is the second daughter of Raja Sonam Tobgye Dorji, Chief Minister of Bhutan by his wife Rani Choying Wangmo Namgyal, second daughter of H.H. Maharaja Thutob Namgyal Maharaja and Chogyal of Sikkim.  (b. 1930-).

1972-76 De-facto Leader and Member of The Gang of Four Jian Qing, China

1972-2000 Temporary Rigsforstander HM Queen Ingrid of Denmark

As the first Dowager Queen ever she became member of the Council of State and able to act as regent when her daughter, Queen Margrethe was abroad. After her grand-children Crown Prince Frederik and Prince Joachim came of age, she was not regent so often, but she continued to act as regent when both her two daughters and the princes were abroad. Queen Ingrid was born as Princess of Sweden and married Crown Prince Frederik in 1935. He was king (1947-72). She lived (1910-2000).

1972-2001 (†) Politically Influential H.M. Queen Aishwari of Nepal

Very influential during the reign of her husband, King Birendra Bir Bikram. She, her husband, daughter, younger son and five other members of the royal family were killed in the massacre at Royal Palace at the 1st of June 2001 by her son, Crown Prince Dipendra, who was king for a few days before dying from the wounds he got during the incident. Her full name was H.M. Svasti Sri Ojaswi Rajanya Sri Sri Sri Sri Sri Sriman Maharajadhiraja Patta Rajninam Bada Maharani Aishwari Rajya Lakshmi Devi Shahanam Sada Saubhajnabatinam, and she was a member of the Rana Princely family. She lived (1949-2001).

1972-73 Acting Ibedul Gloria Gibbon Salii of Koror (Palau)
1975-  Bilung of the Chiefdom

Became acting High Chief of the major Eoueldaob region of Koror after the death of her uncle, Ngorikal, and also representing her grandmother who was the Queen. In 1975 she became Bilung (The female equivalent to her title). She has been member of the parliament and is President of Palau’s Women's Union. (b. 1933-).

1972-2005 (†) "President" Gabrielle Pourchet, Saugeais [France]

Twelve communes in Franche-Comté in the modern department of Doubs declared themselves an independent republic with her husband, Georges Pouchet, as President from 1947 until his death in 1968. In 1999 she called for the election of 30 Presidential Electors to choose her successor in due course, and in January 2006 her daughter Georgette Bertin-Pourchet, was elected as the new President. Gabrielle lived (1906-2005).

1975-76 Premier Minister Élisabeth Domitién, The Central African Republic

As Prime Minister she was also Deputy Head of State and acted as President on occasions when President Bokassa was abroad. Also vice-President of the ruling Social Evolution Movement of Black Africa (MESAN) 1975-79. She criticized the plans of her cousin, Jean Bedel Bokassa, chief of state since 1966, who wanted to become emperor, and in effect he sacked her. After his fall from power in 1979 she was imprisoned and tried in February 1980. She later became an influential businesswoman in Bangui, Married to the chief of the Mobaye Canton-Mayorship. She lived (1925-2005).

1975-81 Joint Head of State, The Ndlovukati Seneleleni Ndwandwe of Swaziland

Married to King Sobhuza II. 

1976-77 Acting Chairperson of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet Zinaida Mikhaylovna Bychkovskaya, Belarus (Autonomous Soviet Republic in the USSR)

Acting on two occasions when the post of chairman of the presidium of the Supreme Soviet of Belarus was vacant - the post was equivalent to that of a President of the state - there was also a chairman of the parliament.

1977 Minister President Lucinda E. da Costa Gomez-Matheeuws, The Netherlands Antilles (Dutch External Territory)

Minister of Health and Environment, Welfare, Youth, Sports, Culture and Recreation 1970-77 and in 1977 Minister Presidente and Minister of General Affairs. She was also Vice-President of The Nationale Volkspartij 1971-76 and around 1995 Member of the Raad van Advies, the Council of Advisors. She is the widow of Dr. M.F. da Costa Gomez (1907-66), Premier of the state 1951-54.  (b.5.4.29-).

1977-  HRH the Royal Princess, Somdetceh Phra Debaratanarajasuda Chao Fa Maha Chakri Sirindhorn of Thailand

Second daughter of King Bhumibol Adulyadej Rama IX. Has acted as regent on several occasions - in 1997 for example she averted a military coup d’etat during her fathers illness. She is one of his closest advisors. In 1996 she was appointed General, Admiral and Air Chief-Marshall. Her full title is Somdech Phra Debratanarajasuda Chao Fa Chakri Sirindhorn Rathasimagunakornpiyajat Sayamboromrajakumri. She is unmarried. (b. 1955-).

Ca. 1977-2001  Bulou Eta Kacalini Vosailagi, The Tui Nakoro of Nadroga Navosa (Fiji)

One of the highest-ranking Paramount Chiefs in the country. Unmarried and lived (1914-2001).

1977- Captain Anna Katrina Christian of Bondelswart (!Gami-#nun) in Namaland  (Namibia)

An alternative spelling of her name is Anna Katrina Christiaan and her Nama name is !Garisema !Nanse Gôa-Khoes. She followed her father, Jakobus Christian (!Hao-||êib Taosemab) (1953-1977), who had only acted as Councillor, as the !Gami-#nun (Bondelswart) Captain . She was elected in 1977. Before 1977 the South African Apartheid policy only allowed councillors and no captains (since 1953). She is the seventeenth in the recorded genealogy of the !Gami-#nun captains.

1977-81 Politically Influential First Lady Rosalynn Smith Carter in United States of America

Had already been influential during her husband, Jimmy Carter's tenure as Governor of Georgia. As First Lady attended Cabinet meetings and major briefings, frequently represented the Chief Executive at ceremonial occasions, and served as the President's personal emissary to Latin American countries. She focused national attention on the performing arts. She invited to the White House leading classical artists from around the world, as well as traditional American artists. She also took a strong interest in programs to aid mental health, the community, and the elderly. From 1977 to 1978, she served as the Honorary Chairperson of the President's Commission on Mental Health. (b. 1927-).

1978 Acting Chairperson of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet Meta Jangolenko-Vannas, Estonia (Autonomous Soviet Republic in the USSR)

1967-69 Minister of Public Service, 1969-85 Deputy Chairperson of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet. The post was the post was equivalent to that of a President of the state - there was also a Speaker of the parliament. She lived (1924-2002).

1978-94 Politically Influential Agathe Habyarimana in Rwanda

Very involved in the affairs of statel during tenure of her husband, Juvenal Habyarimana. A number of her brothers were place in important positions.

1978-80 Regent Princess Teramade Adetule of Erijiyan-Ekiti (Nigeria)

Reigned the chiefdom after the death of her brother, Oba Fabunmi-Ogbegun IV (1938-78).

1978-2008 Politically Influential Nasreena Ibrahim in the Maldive Islands

During the term of occie of her husband, Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, President 1978-2008, she had considerable influence on her husband's political agenda and was feared by many politicians and businessmen due to her influence on the governance of the country. Her oldest twin daughter, Dunya Maumoon is the resident representative of UNFPA and is believed to have adviced her father on major government policies.

Ca. 1979- Senior Chieftainess Nkomeshya of the Soni People of Lusaka Province (Zambia) 

Also known as Hon. Chief Elizabeth Mulenje, she was Minister of State of Home Affairs 1979-86.

1979-80 Provisoric Executive President Lidia Gueiler Tejada, Bolivia 

As President she was also Head of the Cabinet. Lidia Gueiler was member of Parliament 1956-64 and afterwards in exile for 15 years. Circa 1978 Subsecretary for Agriculture, 1978 President of Camera de Diputados. Acting President of the Congress and acting Deputy Head of State 1978-79. She was deposed shortly before elections were due. Later ambassador and party leader. (b. 1921-).

1979 Acting Governor General The Hon. Dr. Dame Doris Louise Johnson, Bahamas

1968-69 Minister without Portfolio and Leader of the Government in the Senate 1968-69, Minister of Transport 1969-72. As Speaker of the Senate 1973-83 she was Deputy the Governor and at least on one occasion Acting Governor-General during the absence of the office-holder. She lived (1921-83).

1979-90 Prime Minister The Rt. Hon. Margaret Thatcher, United Kingdom of Great Britain

MP 1959-90, Parliamentary Secretary of Pensions and National Insurance 1961-64, Secretary of State of Education 1970-74, Shadow Minister of Environment and Housing 1974-75, Shadow Special Minister of Finance and Public Expenditure 1975, Leader of The Conservative Party 1975-90, Leader of Her Majesty's Opposition 1975-79. As Prime Minister she was also First Lord of the Treasury and Minister of the Civil Service. In 1982 she ordered British troops to the Falkland Islands to retake them from Argentina. She took a strong stand against the trade unions during the miner's strike, and moved Britain toward privatization, selling minor interests in public utilities to the business interests. She also introduced "rate capping" which effectively took control of expenditures out of the hands of city councils, part of her policies aimed at reducing the influence of local governments. In 1989, she introduced a community poll tax. In 1990, her cabinet was divided over issues including the European Community, which forced her resignation. When her party leadership was challenged in 1990, she resigned and was Created Baroness Thatcher of Kestaven and became a member of the House of Lords two years later. Mother of twins. (b. 1925-).

1979-80 President of the Council of Ministers Dr. Maria de Lurdes Ruivo da Silva Pintasilgo, Portugal

Secretary of State of Social Affairs 1974, Ambassador to UNESCO 1975-79, Minister of Social Affairs 1974-75 and was appointed Acting Prime Minister during one of the many government-crisis of the time. She was Member of the Council of State 1979-86 and Presidential Candidate in 1986. Member of the European Parliament 1979-86. Maria de Lurdes Pintasilgo was unmarried. She lived (1930-2004).

1979-92 Kgosi-kgolo Constance Letang Kgosiemang of the Tswana Community in Gobabis (Namibia)

Succeeded as chief by Hubert Tidimalo Ditshabue as chief (Kgoshi) of the Tswana Community in Aminuis.

1979-80 Regent-in-exile Dowager H.I.M. Shahbanou Farah Diba Pahlavi of Iran (in Egypt and France)

Acting Head of the Imperial Family after the death of the Shah, and acted as regent for son who became shah on his 20th birthday 31/10-80. (b. 1938-).

1979 and 1981-2001 Politically Influential Nana Konadu Agyemang-Rawlings in Ghana

The wife of President Jerry Rawlings, she had no official position in government, but nevertheless played a major role in formulating and even implementing policies relating to women, successfully creating a powerful and autonomous space for herself within the country's politics. She founded 31 December Women's Movement and used that as her platform and power-base. Many expected her to run for president in 2000-01.

1980- H.M. Beatrix, By the Grace of God, Queen of the Netherlands 

Queen Beatrix Wilhelmina Armgard is also Princess van Oranje-Nassau, Princess van Lippe-Biesterfeld etc, etc, etc. The Kingdom of The Netherlands includes the external territories of Aruba and The Nederlandse Antillen. She succeeded upon the abdication of her mother, Queen Juliana, and she closely follows affairs of government and maintains regular contact with ministers, state secretaries, the vice-President of the Council of State, the Queen's Commissioners in the provinces, burgomasters, and Dutch ambassadors etc. She meets the Prime Minister every Monday. Much of her work consists of studying and signing State documents. She regularly receives members of parliament, as well as other authorities on social issues. Married to Prince Claus of the Netherlands, Jonkheer von Amfeld (1926-2002), and mother of 3 sons. (b. 1938-).

In 1972-80 she was Director of Iceland’s National Theatre was the world’s first democratically elected female President. Since 1996 she has been involved in a wide range of international humanitarian and cultural organizations. She was a divorcee and mother of an adopted a daughter. (b.1930-).

1980-85 Vice-President Maria Ciocan, Romania

Between 1985-89 Member of the Council of State.

1980-95 Prime Minister The Rt. Hon. Dame Eugenia Charles, Dominica

When the Dominica Labour Party attempted to limit dissent with a sedition act in 1968, Charles became involved in politics. In 1970, she was appointed to the legislature and in 1975, to the house of assembly, where she became the leader of the opposition. She co-founded the Dominica Freedom Party. As Prime minister she immediately began programs of economic reform and to end government corruption. She is a strict constitutionalist and her colleagues consider her a brilliant lawyer and a savvy politician. In 1983, Charles encouraged the U.S. invasion of Grenada to prevent Cuban infiltration of that island.
Her primary concern was to improve the lives of the citizens. She encouraged tourism to a small degree, but was determined to preserve the island's ecology and national identity. During her tenure as Prime Minister she was also Minister of External Affairs, Finance, Trade and Industry, Defence, Minister of Information and Public Relations. She lived (1916-2005).

1980-85 Partner in Power Dr. Anahita Ratebzad in Afghanistan

1980-86 Politically Influential Michéle Bennett Duvalier in Haiti

Often exercised political control, issuing orders and attending cabinet meetings because she was frustrated by the ineptness of her husband, President-for-life Jean-Claude Duvalier (Baby Doc). In 1986 the couple was forced into exile and she later left him. 

1980-90 Politically Influential Sally Hayfron Mugabe in Zimbabwe

1981 Capitano Reggente Maria Lea Pedini Angelini, San Marino 

Every 6th month The Consiglio Grande e Generale elects two Captain Regents, who acts as joint Heads of State and Government and as Chairmen of the Consiglio Grande e Generale. Maria Lea Pedini Angelini was the first woman on the post, and later became Director in the Ministry of Government and Foreign Affairs, and has been non-resident Ambassador in the Ministry to France, Denmark, Sweden, and Norway etc. since 1995. (b. 1954-).

Commissioner of Belize City 1970-77, before becoming the official representative of the Queen of Belize, Queen Elizabeth. (b. 1930-).

1981-81, 1986-89 and 1990-96 State Minister Gro Harlem Brundtland, Norway

Before becoming Prime Minister, she was Minister of Environmental Protection 1974-79, Deputy Leader 1975-81, Deputy Parliamentary Leader 1980-81, Leader 1981-93 and Parliamentary Leader, Parliamentary Leader of Arbeiderpartiet, Labour, 1980-81 and 1989-90 Chairperson of the Foreign and 1989-90 of the Finance Committees, 1998-2003 Director General of the World Health Organization, WHO, and Assistant Secretary General of the United Nations. A medical doctor, daughter of Gudmond Harlem (1917-88) a former member of the government, and mother of 4 children. (b. 1939-).

 1981-86 High Commissioner Janet J. McCoy, The Trust Territories of the Pacific Island [USA]

The Territories were administered by the USA for the United Nations 1947-90. McCoy was Director of the Office of Tourism and Visitor Service of California 1967-70, involved in a number of election-campaigns – i.e.. the “Regan For President” 1976-80. 1988-89. After her tenure as High Commissioner, she was Assistant Secretary of Interior 1988-89. She lived (1916-95).  

1981-2001 Rain Queen Mokope Modjadji V of Balobedu (South Africa)

Very traditional in her role as Rain Queen. She lived in seclusion in the Royal Compound in Khetlhakone Village and followed all the customs the Rain Queens were expected to follow. She became good friends with President Nelson Mandela. They first met at a meeting in 1994 and even then she could only speak to Mr. Mandela through the traditional intermediary. She did not support the idea of an ANC Government, as she believed that its anti-traditional ideas would dilute her authority. However once the ANC came to power, they treated her with respect, probably because her village was a large source of income due to tourism, as well as the fact that her gardens acted as parks to preserve the large abundance of cycad trees that grew there. She had three children, and her designated successor was Princess Makheala, who died two days before her, and her granddaughter Makobo became the next Rain Queen in 2003, but died after only two years on the throne. Mokope lived (1937-2001).

 1981-  Iye Oba Aghahowa N'Errua of Uselu in Nigeria (Nigeria)

The Queen Mother of Benin is Ruler of the Village of Uselu and in some aspect considered to be co-ruler with the king. Aghahowa is also Priestess of Olokun. She was the first wife of Oba Akenzua II (1933-78). Breaking with tradition he did not put her aside after the birth of their first son - Oba Erediauwa who has been king of Benin since 1979. She had more sons and daughters and as Eson - chief wife - she managed her husband's growing harem of wifes and children. In her capacity as Priestess of Olokun she is believed to wield considerable power gained in the spirit world. (b. 1907-).

1981-89 Politically Influential First Lady Nancy Davis Reagan in United States of America

Had a strong influence over her husband. Already during Ronald Reagan's tenure as Governor of California 1967, she oversaw her husband's schedule, reducing it item by item if she deemed it too full. If she found any of Reagan’s staff members that were difficult or unwilling to follow her directives, she relieved them of their duties. When he became president, she arranged his schedule based on astrological charts. She was influential in the removal of Alexander Haig, Donald Regan and Lyn Nofziger from Reagan’s staff. Because her husband was hard of hearing, she would often whisper what was being said to him, cementing the perception that she would tell him what to do. Her famous conflicts with Raisa Gorbachev, another strong-minded woman, solidified her image as a powerful woman. (b. 1921-).

1982-83 Reigning Queen Mother, The Indlovukazi Dzeliwe Shongwe of Swaziland 

The senior wife of King Sobhuza II, and joint-head of state and Queen Mother (The Indovukazi, the Great She-Elephant). The king's death on 21 August 1982 precipitated a prolonged power struggle within the royal family. Initially she assumed the regency and appointed 15 members to the Liqoqo, a traditional advisory body that Sobhuza had sought to establish as the Supreme Council of State. However a power struggle ensued between the Prime Minister, who sought to assert the authority of the Cabinet and members of the Liqoqo. She was pressurised by the Liqoqo to dismiss the Prime Minister and replace him with a Liqoqo supporter. Subsequently she was placed under house arrest by the Liqoqo in October 1983.  The Liqoqo subsequently installed Queen Ntombi Laftwala, mother of the 14-year-old heir apparent, Prince Makhosetive, as Queen regent in late October. As Queen Mother she was also co-Chairperson of the Swazi National Council the Libandla. She lost the title of Queen Mother in 1985. She lived (1927-2003).

1982-89 Vice-President Emine Guri, Albania

1. Vice-President of the National Assembly 1967-79 and Member of the Council of State from 1979.

1982-86 Chairman of the Council of Ministers Milka Planinc, Yugoslavia

Before becoming Prime Minister, she was Secretary of Treönjevka People’s Assembly 1957, Secretary of Cultural Affairs of the City of Zagreb 1961-63, Croatian Secretary for Education 1963-65, President of the Croatian Assembly 1967-71 and Leader of the Communist Party in Croatia 1971-82. (b. 1924-).

1982-85 President of the Conseil General Luchette Michaux-Chevry, Guadalupe (French External Territory)

Beside her position as chief of government, she has also held posts in the French government, 1986-87 Secretary of State and 1993-95 Minister Delegate of Foreign Affairs in the French Government, 1987-95 Maire de Gourbreyre, and from 1995 Mayoress de Basse-Terre, 1992-2004 President of the Conseil Regional. (b. 1929-).

1982-88 Queen Rufina Santana of Nasos (Panama)