The realm of anime is brimming with regal characters that radiate dominance, strength, and elegance. Ranging from warrior heirs and enchanted monarchs to devilish rulers and extraterrestrial queens, these royal anime characters captivate the audience’s imagination.
These royal anime characters stand out in their fictional worlds due to their supreme status, larger-than-life personas, high-stakes adventures, and epic tales of conquest or redemption.
From valiant princes to fierce princesses, these animated royals reign over fantastical realms. They serve as a reminder that strength comes not from physical might, but from bravery, empathy, and ingenuity. In this article, we will explore 10 of the most beloved royal anime characters who command the screens.
10 Iconic Royal Anime Characters Who Command the Screen
Vegeta, Prince of Saiyans (Dragon Ball)
Being the fiery-tempered Prince of the powerful Saiyan warrior race, Vegeta captivates with his exceptional combat abilities and unwaveringly proud spirit. Within the realm of royal anime characters, Vegeta is notable for his intricate growth and evolution.
In the beginning, Vegeta was an adversary who desired to exploit the Dragon Balls for his own gain and dominate the galaxy. However, over time, he transforms into a friend and defender of Earth, all while honoring his Saiyan royal bloodline. His royal lineage fuels his determination to surpass Goku and regain his title as the strongest fighter in existence.
Despite his fiery temper, immense pride, and cutthroat ambition, the Prince of all Saiyans continues to be one of Dragon Ball’s most intriguing and beloved characters, even years after his debut. His regal Saiyan armor and disdain for the weak solidify his position as a prominent figure in the world of anime.
Sailor Moon and Sailor Moon Crystal
It is impossible to exclude Princess Serenity, also known by her magical girl persona Sailor Moon, from any list of the most renowned royal anime characters.
In the classic manga and ’90s anime series, as well as Sailor Moon Crystal, the main character, Usagi Tsukino, realizes her fate as the rebirth of Princess Serenity, the successor to the ancient Silver Millennium.
Despite being introduced as a silly and emotional middle schooler, Sailor Moon evolves into the mythical Moon Princess and chosen savior tasked with defending the Earth from destruction. Through her stunning gowns, tiaras, and enchanted objects in different forms, she exudes an air of regality and elegance truly befitting of an anime royal.
Lelouch vi Britannia’s Role in Code Geass
Lelouch vi Britannia from Code Geass is renowned for his strategic brilliance and genius-level intellect, which he utilizes alongside his supernatural Geass power to bring down the oppressive Holy Britannian Empire that had abandoned him and oppressed Japan. He stands out among other royal anime characters for his exceptional strategic abilities.
His royal lineage and denied claim to the throne since childhood are what drive his vengeful crusade against his father, the Britannian Emperor, and his homeland.
As a former prince of the Britannian Imperial Family living in exile, Lelouch takes control of his fate by forming his own paramilitary resistance group. He later declares himself as the Emperor, determined to achieve his vision of the future through any means necessary, exhibiting the same ruthlessness and authority expected of anime royalty.
Boa Hancock from One Piece
Boa Hancock, known for her heavenly good looks that captivate everyone, is widely regarded as the most beautiful woman alive. As the captain of the all-female Kuja Pirates and ruler of the secluded Amazon Lily island, she possesses a serpentine grace. Prior to the dissolution of the Seven Warlords of the Sea system, she held the prestigious title as a member of this group.
Despite her cold and arrogant demeanor that has earned her the title of “Snake Princess,”Hancock’s beauty is only surpassed by her immense strength, making her one of the most alluring royal anime characters. Despite her initial reluctance towards men due to past experiences, she falls deeply in love with Monkey D. Luffy and is willing to put aside her prejudices to help him, as she is won over by his chivalrous nature.
Hancock’s position as one of the most powerful female pirates in the world, combined with the adoration of her Kuja followers, solidifies her regal status among the diverse characters in One Piece.
Ashitaka and His Journey
In Princess Mononoke, the Studio Ghibli film, Prince Ashitaka becomes caught up in the growing dispute between a vengeful spirit deity and the mining settlement of Irontown. This poses a threat to the forest and its mystical inhabitants.
Ashitaka stands out among the royal anime characters for his role as a mediator between humans and nature. Due to a curse from a boar-demon god, he is compelled to leave his Emishi village. However, Ashitaka’s journey ultimately brings about new alliances and a deeper understanding between humankind and the natural world.
Ashitaka, with his exceptional abilities in archery and horseback riding that befit a tribal royalty, employs his wisdom and patience to pursue diplomacy. Nevertheless, he is not afraid to resort to violence when the situation calls for it. His honorable endeavors to put an end to the cycle of destruction have solidified his place as one of the most well-traveled royals in anime.
King (The Seven Deadly Sins)
As the ruler of the Fairy King’s Forest, King, also known as the Grizzly Sin of Sloth of the Seven Deadly Sins, is a fairy who holds a unique position among royal anime characters. Despite his youthful appearance, King possesses great power and holds a high status.
Even though he has a youthful appearance and is a pacifist at heart, King remains a gentle soul who enjoys reading romance novels and taking care of his faithful companion, a black hound-like creature named Oslo.
Despite his typically calm demeanor, King is known to unleash his full strength as one of the Seven Deadly Sins in order to protect his comrades or citizens when they are in danger.
7) Character Profile: Princess Euphemia li Britannia from Code Geass
Princess Euphemia li Britannia, known for her benevolent nature and tragic destiny, was a prominent figure in the Code Geass royal family. As the sub-viceroy of Area 11, she held the responsibility of governing occupied Japan, earning her a place among the most beloved anime royalty.
Euphemia, despite being of Britannian descent, manages to gain the admiration and support of the Japanese people with her genuine compassion towards the Elevens. She introduces the Special Administrative Zone of Japan, which guarantees unheard of liberties and eradicates discrimination. Unfortunately, the program meets a tragic demise when her half-brother Lelouch unintentionally utilizes his Geass power.
Despite her father’s genocidal policies, Euphemia’s unwavering dedication to bringing peace and equality to Area 11 through her pure spirit remains evident. Unfortunately, her noble legacy was cut short in a tragic manner.
Chibiusa in Sailor Moon Crystal
Despite her small size, Sailor Chibi Moon plays an important role as Sailor Moon’s sidekick and is later revealed to be Princess Usagi “Small Lady”Serenity from the 30th-century kingdom of Crystal Tokyo. As one of the youngest members of the royal anime characters on this list, Chibiusa brings a fresh and distinct perspective to the series.
Despite being the heir to the advanced kingdom of Neo Queen Serenity and King Endymion, Chibiusa struggles with self-doubt and lacks confidence in the magnificent power inherited from her mother. However, as the story unfolds in Sailor Moon Crystal, Chibiusa gradually emerges as a confident Sailor Guardian.
After overcoming her childish jealousy towards the present-day Usagi, Chibiusa develops the grace and nobility expected of royalty. Despite being young royalty compared to Usagi, she still channels the charm befitting of anime’s noble bloodlines with her magical Pink Moon Stick.
Fuegoleon Vermillion, from Black Clover
Fuegoleon Vermillion, a skilled Pyrokinetic Mage in the magic-filled world of Black Clover, dutifully fulfills his role as a member of House Vermillion, one of the Noble Families of the Clover Kingdom. Known among regal characters in anime, Fuegoleon stands out for his unwavering commitment to upholding his responsibilities and principles.
Affectionately known as Captain Fuegoleon, he fearlessly leads the Crimson Lion Kings with passionate determination until being gravely wounded in combat while protecting his nation from terrorists. Despite the potentially career-ending injuries, he motivates his sister to uphold the Vermillion legacy while contemplating new ways to serve his country in the future.
Fuegoleon’s transformation from a strict, rule-following leader to a wise mentor who wholeheartedly trusts the Magic Knights he once looked down upon adds to his honorable lineage.
Queen Serenity (Sailor Moon)
The creator of Sailor Moon Crystal’s mythos and the matriarch of the Ancient Moon Kingdom is Queen Serenity. As the mother of protagonist Princess Serenity, she watches helplessly as her beloved home is destroyed. However, she uses the Legendary Silver Crystal to ensure her daughter and court’s rebirth on Earth in the future.
Queen Serenity, considered one of the most powerful and impactful anime characters of royalty, played a crucial role in setting the tone for the entire series. As the protector of Sailor Moon and her allies, Queen Serenity’s extensive knowledge and abilities, channeled through the Legendary Silver Crystal, solidify her position as a vital and magical matriarch of the royal family.
The Moon Queen’s crucial decision serves as the foundation for all major characters and story arcs in Sailor Moon, solidifying her powerful role as a ruler.
Conclusion
Anime is known for its abundance of powerful aristocrats, whether they are proud warrior royalty or possess magical abilities. These supreme leaders possess the courage, wisdom, and integrity necessary to boldly lead their causes, using any means they see fit to fulfill their purpose and duty.
The lavish titles bestowed upon them perfectly complement their larger-than-life personalities. Determining who reigns supreme as the “King”or “Queen”of anime ultimately comes down to personal preference. However, it is undeniable that these 10 royal anime characters have captured the hearts of audiences and dominated television screens for decades with their unforgettable journeys.
Their esteemed position renders them crucial players in the power dynamics and conflicts of their respective anime universes.
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