What does royalist mean?
A royalist is a person who supports a monarch or the institution of monarchy. The word may refer broadly to someone who favors royal authority, but it is especially associated with the English Civil War, when royalists were the supporters of the Stuart king Charles I. In modern political contexts, the term can describe conservative or traditionalist positions that defend the monarchy, although its use is less common than general terms such as monarchist or supporter of the crown. As an adjective, “royalist” describes people, organizations, principles, or forces connected with this support. The word comes from “royal,” ultimately from the Latin regalis, meaning “of or belonging to a king,” and has the suffix “-ist,” which commonly forms nouns denoting a supporter or adherent of a position or system.
A person who supports the monarchy or a particular monarch, especially a supporter of the royalist cause during the English Civil War.
"The royalists occupied the town while the parliamentarian forces regrouped."
The historical sense is especially associated with supporters of Charles I in the English Civil War.
Supporting or relating to the monarchy or royal authority.
"Royalist sentiment remained strong in several regions."
This use is less common than the noun and can sound formal or politically conservative.
The plural is used for groups of monarchist supporters or, historically, for forces aligned with the royalist cause.
"The royalists negotiated with their opponents through a local intermediary."
During the English Civil War, “royalist” became a label for those who remained loyal to the Stuart monarchy.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does royalist come from?
“Royalist” is formed from “royal” and the suffix “-ist,” meaning a supporter or follower. “Royal” entered English through Old French royal and Latin regalis, a derivative of rex, “king” or “queen.” The political use of “royalist” became prominent during the English Civil War of the 17th century, when it identified supporters of the monarchy.
Related word forms
How royalist is actually used
Today, “royalist” is relatively uncommon outside historical or political discussion. It can sound formal and may carry a conservative or traditional implication, especially in contexts involving the monarchy.
Easily confused with royalist
As a noun, a royalist is a person who supports monarchy; as an adjective, it describes policies, forces, or sympathies associated with that support.
A monarchist supports the general principle of monarchy, whereas a royalist may specifically support a particular monarch or royalist cause.