In the United Kingdom, besides the major news of the economic crisis making a comeback, there is another piece of news stirring up public debate: the Royal Titles Bill issued in May.
This bill granted Queen Victoria a brand new title, that of Empress of the Indian Empire.
Although the United Kingdom is referred to as the British Empire, the title of its rulers is actually King or Queen of the United Kingdom. As Europe stands with numerous empires, the United Kingdom, as the most powerful country in Europe, has finally taken a step towards the imperial rank.
However, compared to other imperial titles in Europe, the title of Empress of India is somewhat awkward.
Imperial titles in other European countries, like Tsarist Russia claiming to inherit the title of the Eastern Roman Empire, and the Austria-Hungary formed by the merge of the Austrian Empire, originally established by the Holy Roman Emperor, and Hungary.
