What title is given to a royal official who governs on behalf of a monarch?

The title "viceroy" is given to a royal official who governs on behalf of a monarch, often in a colonial or territorial context. A viceroy acts as a representative of the sovereign, carrying out the policies and directives of the monarch while managing the affairs of the territory under their control. This role not only involves administrative responsibilities but also includes maintaining the loyalty of the populace and often overseeing military operations.

In historical contexts, particularly within empires such as the Spanish or British empires, viceroys wielded significant power and authority, as they were seen as the direct links between the colony and the king or queen. They typically had the autonomy to make decisions on matters ranging from governance and taxation to diplomacy and justice, reflecting the monarch's interests while adapting to local circumstances.

Other titles such as "conquistador," "emperor," and "governor" refer to different roles and responsibilities. Conquistadors were Spanish explorers and soldiers who led the conquest of large parts of the Americas, while an emperor is a sovereign ruler of an empire, governing multiple territories or nations. A governor, though also a managing authority, usually refers to someone who runs a specific region or state rather than holding the higher status of representing a monarch