Royalty refers to the system of government or monarchical rule in which a king, queen, or other sovereign ruler holds power as a result of their hereditary status. In this system, the ruler's authority and legitimacy come from their lineage or bloodline, rather than being elected or appointed based on merit or popular support. Royalty has been a common form of government throughout history, with many countries having monarchies that range from absolute to constitutional. Research in this area may focus on the history, politics, culture, and impact of royalty on society, as well as the role of monarchs in modern governance.