Composite Monarchy

A composite monarchy refers to a state formed by the union of different territories, each with its own laws, customs, and sometimes rulers, under a single monarch. This can happen through dynastic marriages, conquests, or treaties. In a composite monarchy, the king or queen governs diverse groups of people while respecting their unique identities and traditions. Examples include the Austrian Empire, where various ethnic regions coexisted under Habsburg rule, and the United Kingdom, where England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland combine under one crown yet maintain distinct legal systems and cultural practices.