Titular sovereign is one who enjoys all the legal powers in theory but in actual practice his powers are enjoyed by some other authority. A titular sovereign is only a sovereign in name and his position is in no way better than a rubber stamp.

The best example of a titular sovereign is afforded by the King or Queen of Great Britain. The entire work of the government is carried on in his or her name.

In actual fact, he or she is a ceremonial head because all the powers are exercised by the Cabinet and the Parliament. The Parliament of Great Britain is thus the actual sovereign because it enjoys real and effective authority.