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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 needededit)

Dialogue in "Sins of the Father", written before the canon structure of Klingon culture had been fully conceptualized by the writing staff, implied that there was a Klingon Emperor at least as late as 2346. Since "Rightful Heir" made it clear that there was no Klingon Emperor during this time period, Kahlest may have been speaking figuratively.

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)

See also

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