Monarch

A King (Queen for female rulers) is a title used in most civilized societies to denote the ruler of a country or nation under what is known as a kingdom. Commonplace amongst Elves and Humans, kings are often denoted by high prestige and are seen usually as the ruler of a peerage. In human society, Kings have been the highest peerage title since the collapse of the Empire of Arathor some 1600 years ago. Amongst the elves of Quel'Thalas, the Convocation of Silvermoon has been led by a King (or High King in some texts) that reigns from the House of Sunstrider; however since the death of Kael'thas Sunstrider and the end of the Sunstrider dynasty, there has been no replacement.

In Azeroth today, there are several major kingdoms, most of them human, though several petty kingdoms exist. Multiple kingdoms have risen and fallen throughout history as well.

Major Kingdoms in History

 * Kingdom of Azeroth, Capital: Stormwind City. The southern most Human kingdom in the known world, Azeroth was ruled by the House of Wrynn for generations since its founding. Amongst their number was the House of Lothar, the last descendants of the great Emperor Thoradin who united humanity under the Empire of Arathor. It was destroyed when the city was sacked and King Llane was murdered.
 * Kingdom of Lordaeron, Capital: Lordaeron City. Seen as the religious bastion of the world, Lordaeron was one of the largest and most populous kingdoms in existence. Lordaeron was formed by the people who split from the Empire of Arathor to settle the lands that were lush and fertile north of Arathi. It stood as a bastion of humanity during the Second War, but was destroyed in the Third War. The last completely accepted king of Lordaeron was Terenas Menethil II. Its status is disputed as the Forsaken claim most of the lands, the Argent Crusade claims a decent portion, and the remaining peoples of Lordaeron who have not pledged to either faction claim another portion, one of the largest under claimant Madelynne Albrecht.
 * Kingdom of Gilneas, Capital: Gilneas City. A kingdom located on an expansive peninsula just south of Lordaeron. Gilneas is known for its industrialization and diverse culture compared to the other nations of the world. Walled off by the great Greymane Wall for twenty years following the Second War, Gilneas suffers the Curse of the Worgen amongst a large portion of its populace, including its king Genn Greymane.
 * Kingdom of Stromgarde, Capital: Stromgarde Keep. A kingdom located in the Arathi Highlands, it is the remnants of the great Empire of Arathor. Formed after the descendants of Thoradin departed to form the Kingdom of Azeroth in the south, the House of Trollbane gathered the remaining denizens of Strom and formed their own kingdom amongst the ashes. Formerly known for their great military might, the nation has fallen severely and its last king, Thoras Trollbane was assassinated. It is currently leaderless, though many believe Danath Trollbane will return and become king.
 * Kingdom of Alterac, Capital: Alterac City. A kingdom located in the snow capped mountains of Alterac, the area is known for its granite, mines, and their betrayal of the Alliance of Lordaeron during the Second War. The kingdom was known as the smallest human kingdom in the world, and was near completely obliterated after their betrayal. Their king, Aiden Perenolde, was arrested and is believed to have died in prison for his betrayal.
 * Kingdom of Kul Tiras, Capital: Boralus. An island kingdom located in Baradin Bay, though the second shattering may have pushed it further out to sea. They are known for their staunch nationalism and the green anchor that flies high over their mighty war fleets. The nation has been secluded since the end of the Third War and their death of their leader Daelin Proudmoore. It is noted the king of this nation takes the title of Lord-Admiral.
 * Kingdom of Stormwind, Capital: Stormwind City. Built atop the ruins of the Kingdom of Azeroth, Stormwind is merely Azeroth reborn under a new name. The House of Wrynn continues to rule its people, and it was rebuilt in the same lands of Azeroth. It is led by Llane's son, King Varian Wrynn.
 * Kingdom of Quel'Thalas, Capital: Silvermoon City. Known as the High Kingdom, this kingdom is that of the great elves. Formerly the kingdom of the High Elves, the majority of the people later became Blood Elves, and currently control the kingdom. Despite being a kingdom, they are ruled by a Regent Lord, even though the former dynasty has died out.
 * Kingdom of Ironforge, Capital: Ironforge. Built in the great mountains of Khaz Modan, Ironforge is the kingdom of the Hill Dwarf Clans. Ruled ancestrally by the Bronzebeard Clan, the kingdom is now being ruled by the Council of Three Hammers after the petrification of King Magni Bronzebeard.