Legal Definitions - Dei gratia

DEI GRATIA

Dei gratia means "by the grace of God" in Latin. It was often used in the titles of rulers, magistrates, and other officers to show that their authority was given to them by divine right.

1. Queen Elizabeth II, by the Grace of God, Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

2. Charles III, by the Grace of God, King of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

The examples show how the phrase "by the Grace of God" is used in the titles of monarchs. It emphasizes that their authority comes from God and not from any earthly power. This phrase was also used in the titles of other officials to show that their authority was given to them by divine right.