The Royal Supremacy

The Royal Supremacy was a key legal and religious authority held by the English monarch, particularly in the 16th century. It meant that the king or queen had the ultimate control over the Church of England, including making laws, appointing church officials, and guiding religious practices. This authority separated England from the Pope’s influence in Rome, establishing the monarch as the head of both state and church. The Royal Supremacy helped consolidate political power for the monarchy and shaped England’s religious identity, especially during the English Reformation under Henry VIII.