Lord Protector - Feudal Royal Regent

Feudal Royal Regent

The title of "The Lord Protector" was originally used by royal princes or other nobles exercising an individual regency (i.e.. not merely as a member of a collegial regency council) while the English monarch was still a minor or otherwise unable to rule.

Notable cases in England are:

  • John, Duke of Bedford and Humphrey, Duke of Gloucester were (5 December 1422–6 November 1429) jointly Protectors for Henry VI (1421–1471);
  • Richard Plantagenet, Duke of York was twice (3 April 1454–February 1455 and 19 November 1455–25 February 1456) Protector for the same Henry VI;
  • Richard, Duke of Gloucester was 'Lord Protector of the Realm' (30 April 1483–26 June 1483), during the nominal reign of Edward V (one of the "Princes in the Tower") before claiming the throne for himself;
  • Edward Seymour, Duke of Somerset was 'Lord Protector' (1547–1549), during the early years of the reign of the young Edward VI;

and in Scotland:

  • John Stuart, Duke of Albany (c.1481–1536) was Governor and Protector of the Realm (12 July 1515–16 November 1524) for James V of Scotland (1512–1542);
  • James Hamilton, Earl of Arran (c.1517–1575) (from 8 February 1548, Duke of Châtelherault) was Governor and Protector of the Kingdom (3 January 1543–12 April 1554) for Mary, Queen of Scots.

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