Princess vs. Infanta — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Maham Liaqat — Updated on May 8, 2024
A princess is a royal title for a female member of a ruling or former ruling family, often as a daughter or wife of a king. An infanta is a specific title given to daughters of Spanish or Portuguese monarchs, traditionally without succession rights.
Difference Between Princess and Infanta
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A princess is a broad title given to the daughter or granddaughter of a king or queen or the wife of a prince. On the other hand, infanta is a distinct title used historically for the daughters of Spanish or Portuguese monarchs, typically with no direct claim to the throne unless specifically designated.
A princess may be in the line of succession, depending on the rules of the monarchy. In contrast, an infanta usually lacks succession rights, primarily due to male-preference primogeniture or specific laws restricting their claim.
In different cultures, a princess may carry varying roles, such as ceremonial duties or charitable work. Infantas, however, have traditionally been raised with noble responsibilities but were often married off to form alliances rather than rule themselves.
The title "princess" is used across many countries, including the United Kingdom, Japan, and Thailand, while "infanta" is specific to Spain and Portugal, reflecting Iberian cultural traditions.
While both princesses and infantas are respected as members of royalty, the role of an infanta remains more ceremonial, with duties often centered on supporting the ruling monarch.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Female royal family member, often daughter
Daughters of Spanish or Portuguese monarchs
Line of Succession
May have succession rights
Typically lacks succession rights
Cultural Scope
Found in many countries
Specific to Spain and Portugal
Responsibilities
Ceremonial duties, philanthropy
Support ruling monarch, form alliances
Marital Status
Can be a daughter, granddaughter, or wife
Typically a daughter of a king
Compare with Definitions
Princess
Female member of a ruling or former ruling family.
The princess attended the state dinner with her father, the king.
Infanta
Supports the ruling monarch in various ceremonial roles.
The infanta accompanied her brother, the king, to the diplomatic event.
Princess
Often retains royal titles and privileges throughout life.
Princesses from various countries gathered for the royal summit.
Infanta
Commonly married off for strategic alliances.
The infanta married a French duke to strengthen political ties.
Princess
Can be the daughter or wife of a prince, king, or queen.
The princess became queen upon marrying the crown prince.
Infanta
A title for a daughter of the Spanish or Portuguese monarchs.
The infanta joined the royal procession at the ceremony.
Princess
Holds ceremonial and philanthropic responsibilities.
The princess founded a charity to support children's education.
Infanta
Retains noble titles and privileges as a member of the royal family.
The infanta was respected as an esteemed royal figure.
Princess
May or may not have succession rights, depending on the monarchy.
The princess will ascend the throne as the heir.
Infanta
Often lacks a direct claim to the throne.
As an infanta, she could not inherit the throne directly.
Princess
Princess is a regal rank and the feminine equivalent of prince (from Latin princeps, meaning principal citizen). Most often, the term has been used for the consort of a prince, or for the daughter of a king or prince.
Infanta
A title borne by every one of the daughters of the kings of Spain and Portugal, except the eldest.
Princess
A woman member of a royal family other than the monarch, especially a daughter of a monarch.
Infanta
A daughter of a Spanish or Portuguese king.
Princess
A woman who is a ruler of a principality.
Infanta
A daughter of a king in Spain and Portugal.
Princess
A woman who is a hereditary ruler; a queen.
Princess
A noblewoman of varying status or rank.
Princess
The wife of a prince.
Princess
A woman regarded as having the status or qualities of a princess.
Princess
Designed to hang in smooth, close-fitting, unbroken lines from shoulder to flared hem
A princess dress.
Princess
A female member of a royal family other than a queen, especially a daughter or granddaughter of a monarch.
Princess
A woman or girl who excels in a given field or class.
Princess
A female ruler or monarch; a queen.
Princess
The wife of a prince; the female ruler of a principality.
Princess Grace was the Princess of Monaco.
Princess
A young girl; used as a term of endearment.
Princess
A young girl or woman (or less commonly a man) who is vain, spoiled or selfish; a prima donna.
Princess
A tinted crystal marble used in children's games.
Princess
A type of court card in the Tarot pack, coming between the 10 and the prince (Jack).
Princess
A female lemur.
Princess
A female prince; a woman having sovereign power, or the rank of a prince.
So excellent a princess as the present queen.
Princess
The daughter of a sovereign; a female member of a royal family.
Princess
The consort of a prince; as, the princess of Wales.
Princess
A female member of a royal family other than the queen (especially the daughter of a sovereign)
Common Curiosities
Do infantas marry for political alliances?
Historically, infantas often married to form strategic alliances with other noble families.
Can a princess inherit the throne?
Depending on the monarchy, a princess may inherit the throne, like in modern constitutional monarchies.
Is an infanta always a king's daughter?
Yes, an infanta is a daughter of a Spanish or Portuguese king.
Is the title "infanta" still used today?
Yes, the title is still in use in modern Spanish and Portuguese royalty.
Are princesses always royal by birth?
Not always; a princess may receive the title through marriage to a prince.
How is a princess different from an infanta?
A princess can have various royal titles worldwide, while an infanta is specifically a Spanish or Portuguese royal daughter.
Can an infanta be married to a non-royal?
While typically married into noble families, some infantas marry non-royals today.
What responsibilities does an infanta have?
An infanta often supports the monarch by attending state ceremonies and promoting national interests.
Are princesses expected to adhere to strict protocol?
Yes, princesses typically follow established royal protocol during public engagements.
Do infantas have succession rights?
Traditionally, infantas lack direct succession rights due to male-preference primogeniture.
Are princesses expected to carry out charity work?
In many modern monarchies, princesses engage in charitable work as part of their duties.
Can a princess hold multiple titles?
Yes, a princess may hold additional titles depending on her lineage, marriage, or government roles.
Do infantas have equivalent titles in other cultures?
Similar titles for royal daughters exist but are not identical to the specific traditions of "infanta."
Do infantas participate in government?
Historically, infantas did not govern but supported royal policies through alliances.
Can infantas renounce their titles?
In modern times, some infantas have renounced their titles for personal or political reasons.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
