Legal Definitions - pares regni

PARES REGNI

pares regni (pronounced par-eez reg-ni) is a Latin term used in law and history to refer to the peers of the realm. These were the highest-ranking members of the nobility in medieval England, who held titles such as duke, earl, and baron.

Some examples of pares regni in medieval England include:

• William the Conqueror, who granted titles to his most loyal supporters, creating the first group of English peers
• King Henry II, who established the first formal system of peerage, with clear rules for inheritance and succession
• Queen Elizabeth I, who relied heavily on the support of her peers during her long reign

The examples illustrate how the term pares regni was used to describe the highest-ranking members of the nobility in medieval England. These individuals held significant political and social power, and were often called upon to advise and support the monarch. By understanding the concept of pares regni, we can gain insight into the complex social and political structures of medieval England.