In ancient times, the Klingon Empire was ruled by dynastic emperors. The reign of the last Klingon emperor ended in the mid-21st century, after which the chancellor, leader of the Klingon High Council, assumed the leadership of the Empire.
History
During the 23rd and 24th century, when there was no sitting Emperor, some Klingons used the phrase "Loyal to the Emperor" to denote loyalty to the Empire in general. Kahlest once insisted to Jean-Luc Picard that Mogh was "loyal to the Emperor" at the time of the Khitomer Massacre, even though there was no sitting Emperor on the Klingon throne at the time. (citation needed • edit)
Following the "return" of Kahless, the role of Klingon emperor was reinstated as a ceremonial position, to strengthen the hearts of the Klingon people. (TNG: "Rightful Heir")
List of known Klingon emperors
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Appendices
Background information
In an explanatory memo about Klingons – which Ronald D. Moore wrote to Michael Piller, shortly before working on "Sins of the Father" – the political framework of the Klingon Empire in the 24th century was referred to as including a Klingon Emperor. The memo pointed out, "His role is almost completely ceremonial by custom, and he still retains the reins of power, should he wish to exercise them." ("Sins of the Father" audio commentary, TNG Season 3 Blu-ray)