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Most Faithful Majesty (Portuguese: Sua Majestade Fidelíssima) was the title used by the Portuguese monarchs, from 1748 to 1910.
The sobriquet Most Faithful King (Latin: Rex Fidelissimus, Portuguese: Rei Fidelíssimo) was a title awarded by the Pope Benedict XIV – as spiritual head of the Catholic Church – in 1748, to King João V of Portugal and to his heirs.
The title Fidelissimus remains attached to monarchs descended from whoever received the original sobriquet. The sobriquet can be awarded to either a king or a queen. The only European monarchy that has received the sobriquet was the now-defunct monarchy of Portugal.
Similar titles
The monarchs of other countries have received similar titles from the Pope:
- Hungary: Apostolic Majesty (awarded c. 1000)
- Venice: Most Serene Republic
- France: Most Christian Majesty (awarded c. 1380)
- Spain: Most Catholic Majesty (awarded in 1493)
- England: Defender of the Faith (awarded in 1521 and revoked again c. 1530 by the Pope. Granted again in 1543 by the Parliament of England.)
- Poland: Orthodox Majesty (awarded in 1661)
- Germany: Defensor Ecclesiae (Protector of the Church; awarded to Holy Roman Emperors)
References
- Verzijl, J. H. W. (1973). International law in historical perspective / 6, Juridical facts as sources of international rights and obligations. Leiden: AW Sijthoff. pp. 164, 174. ISBN 9789028602236.
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