What is a regent?

A regent is someone who rules a kingdom, state, or country on behalf of a monarch who is absent, underage, or incapacitated. Regencies can occur in various circumstances, such as when a king or queen dies or abdicates, when a monarch is too young to rule, or when a ruler is temporarily unable to perform their duties due to illness or other reasons. Regency is typically considered a temporary position, with the regent serving until the rightful monarch can assume their duties or until a new monarch is appointed. Regents usually have limited powers and are required to govern according to the monarch's wishes and the laws of the land. Some well-known regents include the Prince Regent (later King George IV) who ruled England during the illness of King George III, and Catherine de' Medici, who acted as queen regent of France for her young sons after the death of her husband, King Henry II.