Elizabeth III of Manticore
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Queen Elizabeth III is a fictional character, the reigning monarch of the Star Kingdom of Manticore in the Honor Harrington series of space opera books by David Weber. A member of the House of Winton (the first and only royal house of Manticore), she ascended to the throne in 3986 AD (1883 PD), seventeen years prior to On Basilisk Station. The Manticoran constitution gives her some actual executive power.
She is straightforward, unduplicitous and honourable. This sets her apart from most of her contemporaries. The treecats, including her personal companion Ariel, refer to her as "Soul of Steel".
She is the daughter of King Roger III and Queen Angelique. As she and the entire House of Winton before her, the dominant portion of her Terran genome is characteristic of African descent, as was pointed out in Crown of Slaves. The genetic lines of the different portions of the Terran genome have been blended for many centuries creating a genetic 'mish mash.'
Quirk: She is said to keep her grudges for so long that they die of old age; she then has them stuffed and mounted. It is said that even elephants admit they can be forgetful compared to her when it comes to perceived insults. Particularly, she hates the People's Republic of Haven, as the People's Republic was responsible for the assassination of her father. He was killed in a grav-skiing 'accident', which was orchestrated by certain Manticoran politicians who disagreed with his military policies; and were on the PRH's payroll. The apparent plan had been to put a weak, teenaged Heir onto the throne and control the policies (specifically the military buildup and other aspects) through their choice of her regent. They were, however, faced instead with Queen Elizabeth Winton III.
Elizabeth III, like seven of the previous nine Manticoran monarchs, has been adopted by a Sphinxian treecat. Her particular cat is named Ariel. The treecats have named her Soul of Steel. Her consort, Prince Justin, is also an adoptee, having been adopted by her father's treecat, Monroe, after the late King's assassination. The Royal Couple also have two children, Crown Prince Roger, and Princess Joanna.
