In “The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom,” despite the absence of rival claims to the throne, Zelda’s status remains that of a princess.
In a logical progression, considering her prominence and role within the franchise, Zelda, in “The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom,” would seem more fittingly titled as a queen rather than a princess. Throughout the Zelda games, the name and position of Princess Zelda have become inseparable from the franchise’s identity, much like Link himself. However, following the events of “Breath of the Wild,” this appellation appears somewhat misaligned.
While the Zelda series has showcased various Kings of Hyrule alongside Princess Zelda, instances of actual Queens have been relatively scarce. For instance, Tetra’s establishment of New Hyrule in “The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks” and Sonia’s introduction as the first Queen of Hyrule in “Tears of the Kingdom.” Beyond these, female rulers of Hyrule often remain as unexplored figures of lore or background, exemplified by the mother of the current Zelda.
Despite the span of time since her father’s passing – over a century by the events of “Tears of the Kingdom” – and her uncontested claim to the throne, Zelda has retained her princess title. The logical transition to queenhood, even without a formal coronation, seems reasonable given the passage of time between “Breath of the Wild” and “Tears of the Kingdom.” Yet, this expected change has not taken place. This seemingly illogical situation could imply external, unseen influences shaping the monarchy’s dynamics.
One conjecture could be Zelda’s immersion in reconstruction endeavors, potentially delaying her formal coronation. Alternatively, the dismantling of Hyrule’s monarchy following the apparent loss of the royal family during the Calamity could offer another explanation. However, evidence indicates that Zelda has had ample time to establish educational and research institutions, and she continues to be treated as royalty. On the contrary, it’s possible that Zelda personally refrains from assuming the queen’s title due to her dedication to her ongoing priorities, or her youth might prevent her from doing so under Hylian law.
This issue might be more reflective of real-world influence than an intrinsic aspect of Hyrule’s governance. After decades of establishment, altering Princess Zelda’s role to queen could contradict her deeply ingrained characterization, as “princess” and “queen” carry distinct connotations in character archetypes. The latter often signifies maturity and distance, qualities that differ from the youthful portrayal of Zelda.
Ultimately, the reasons for Zelda’s status in “Tears of the Kingdom” as a princess rather than a queen encompass a range of possibilities, yet none are unequivocally supported by in-game details; they remain speculative. It appears more probable that the preservation of Zelda’s princess title stems from real-world associations, even though this decision might seem peculiar within the game’s context. The enduring prevalence of Princess Zelda’s title appears entrenched and resistant to change, despite the contextual alignment with “The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom.”