Historically, the concept of kingship has embodied the idea of a duality, where the sovereign is perceived as both a physical individual and an embodiment of eternal authority. This notion, established in medieval times, emphasizes that a king's identity transcends his mortal existence. The ruler's persona is tied to the institution of monarchy itself, which persists beyond the life of the individual king.

As a reflection of this dual nature, monarchs often used the plural pronoun "we" when referring to themselves. This linguistic choice symbolizes their role not just as personal leaders but as representatives of the enduring legacy and power of the crown. Alison Weir's book on Henry VIII explores this profound relationship between the king's identity and the monarchy's authority.