Polish royalty

Polish royalty historically refers to kings and queens who ruled the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth and earlier Polish states. Poland's monarchy was elective rather than hereditary, meaning nobles elected their monarch—from a group of candidate nobles—rather than passing the throne directly within a family. This system created a unique political landscape where royal power was balanced by the elected parliament (Sejm) and the nobility’s influence. The monarchy played a crucial role in shaping Poland's history, culture, and borders until the partitions at the end of the 18th century led to the monarchy's abolition. Today, Poland is a republic with no royal family.