A spouse or companion, especially the husband or wife of a reigning monarch, or a group of musicians performing together.
From Latin 'consors' meaning 'partner' or 'sharer,' combining 'con-' (with) and 'sors' (lot/fate), originally describing people who shared the same fate or station.
Prince Philip was Queen Elizabeth II's consort for 73 years—historically, royal consorts had complex roles because they had to support power without threatening it, creating a unique position that's part partner, part subordinate, part advisor.
Historically, 'consort' applied to wives of monarchs erased their individual identity and agency, defining them solely by marital relation. Male consorts exist but rarely carry the same erasure of personhood.
When describing partnerships, name both parties and their individual contributions. Avoid 'consort' for spouses; use 'partner,' 'spouse,' or names.
["partner","spouse","companion","associate"]
Queen consorts like Eleanor of Aquitaine and Catherine the Great exercised real power often attributed to their husbands; historical records should restore their individual agency.
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