Template:FA The Monarchy observed in The Lion King universe serves a sole purpose in the films as well as the books, comics, and other related merchandise.
The monarchy seen in the franchise operates as an absolute monarchy, in which the current monarch exercises supreme governing authority as both the head of state and head of government. In the franchise, the animals of the Pride Lands serve as the subjects of the alpha lion, who, in turn, serves as the monarch.
Succession to the crown is hereditary, and the monarchy appears to have absolute (or equal) primogeniture, meaning that no gender is preferred over the other. However, like in nature and as seen with Scar in the movie, a succession may occur due to a coup d'état.
In the current movie universe (at the end of The Lion King II: Simba's Pride), the monarch of the Pride Lands is Simba, and his heir apparent is Kiara. Kiara will be the first official named queen regnant to rule the Pride Lands, as opposed to queen consorts such as Sarabi or Nala.
List of Known Monarchs
Monarchs are supreme rulers of the Pride Lands, often chosen through hereditary connections or usurpation.
Name
Information
Betrothal
Succession Right
Picture
Unnamed
Though unnamed, this lion is the first known king of the Pride Lands. He presumably passed on the crown to one of his three daughters.
Consorts are mates chosen by the royal-blooded monarchs to rule at their sides. In the franchise, betrothals are chosen by parents, and it is a tradition going back generations. Presumably, neither the consorts nor the betrothals have a say in the matter, until the reigning king dies and the new king decides otherwise.
The heir is the lion next in line for the throne after the reigning monarch passes away, steps down from power, or retires. Contrary to popular belief, the child of the current monarch is not the only sole heir. Everyone from children, siblings, and even distant cousins are in line for the throne, a necessary procedure if the current monarch is unable to rule, if the monarch changes their mind about the line of succession, or if the monarch doesn't produce an offspring to succeed him or her.
Kovu is the heir and "chosen one" of Scar until Simba returns to the Pride Lands.
None
Adopted Son of Scar
List of Stewards, Advisers, and Majordomos
Stewards in the franchise are officials who are appointed by the ruling monarch to represent him or her in areas of the kingdom. They can also serve as the majordomo to the monarch and his or her family by speaking for, making arrangements, alerting, or performing the tasks asked by the monarch. Advisers are also officials to the monarch, as they offer suggestions to the monarch when they are facing serious issues within the kingdom.
Most advisers are appointed by the monarch. For example, Ahadi appointed Zuzu to serve as his adviser. It is assumed that whoever is the current adviser will pass down their role to their descendants or relatives when they retire or die, similar to the succession of powers done by monarchs.
