pluralis majestatis

Pluralis Majestatis ("Majestic Plural") is the use of the plural pronoun in reference to oneself alone. This is also known as the "Royal we" (or Victorian we) because it has usually been restricted to august personages such as monarchs, bishops, Popes, and university rectors. The reason behind the pluralis majestatis is the idea that a monarch or other high official always speaks for their people. Examples of purported instances:

We are not amused. Queen Victoria (in at least one account of this quotation, though, she was not speaking for herself alone, but for the ladies of the court.)

We are a grandmother. Margaret Thatcher announcing the birth of Mark Thatcher's son Michael in 1990.

To be distinguished from Pluralis modestiae, also Pluralis Auctoris (inclusion of readers or listeners). For instance:

Let's calculate! Leibniz

We are thus led also to a definition of "time" in physics. Albert Einstein

It was said that United States Navy Admiral Hyman G. Rickover told a subordinate that used the Royal We: "Three groups are permitted that usage: Pregnant women, Royalty, and schizophrenics. Which one are YOU??"

Pluralis Majestatis

See also