The King of the Andals and the First Men is the ruler of the Seven Kingdoms, the unified realm which includes almost all of Westeros, except the lands Beyond the Wall in the frozen north. The King's complete titles are King of the Andals and the First Men, referring to the two largest ethnic groups in the continent, Lord of the Seven Kingdoms, referring to the seven independent kingdoms that existed prior to their unification in the War of Conquest, and Protector of the Realm, referring to the King's duty of maintaining peace, order and justice throughout the realm.

The office of the ruler of the Seven Kingdoms is often referred to as the Iron Throne, in reference to the eponymous throne in which the King holds court.

The position was created when Aegon the Conqueror succeeded in his conquest of Westeros, unifying the independent kingdoms of the Isles and the Riverlands, the Rock, the Reach, the Mountain and Vale, and the Kingdom of the North. The Kingdom of Dorne was later united to the realm through marriage alliance.

The King is formally addressed by his subjects as "Your Grace" and in official events referred to employing the following structure: "Name" of House "Name" the "ordinal number" of His Name, King of the Andals and the First Men, Lord of the Seven Kingdoms and Protector of the Realm". For example, Robert Baratheon is formally referred to as "Robert of House Baratheon, the first of His name" etc.

Known Kings

Targaryen Dynasty

• {Aegon I Targaryen}, called "Aegon the Conqueror", the founder of the Targaryen Dynasty and the Iron Throne.
• {Maegor I Targaryen}, called "Maegor the Cruel"
• {Baelor I Targaryen}, called "Baelor the Blessed" and "Baelor the Beloved".
• {Maekar I Targaryen}
• {Aegon V Targaryen}, called "Aegon the Unlikely", as he was the fourth son of a fourth son yet still inherited the throne. Younger brother of Aemon Targaryen, who voluntarily refused the crown as he had already joined the order of Maesters.
• {Aerys II Targaryen}, called "the Mad King" and "King Scab". Killed by Ser Jaime Lannister during the Sack of King's Landing.

Baratheon Dynasty

• {Robert I Baratheon}, called "the Usurper". Became king after Aerys II Tararyen was overthrown and killed during Robert's Rebellion. Perished due to wounds sustained during a hunting accident.
• Joffrey I Baratheon, called "The King on the Iron Throne". Legimitacy put into question.

Claimants

• {Viserys III Targaryen}, called "the Beggar King". Killed by Khal Drogo.
• Khaleesi Daenerys Targaryen, called "Mother of Dragons" and "the Queen Across the Sea".
• Stannis I Baratheon, called "the King in the Narrow Sea".
• {Renly I Baratheon}, called "the King in Highgarden". Killed by a shadow.

Robb Stark of The North and Balon Greyjoy of the Iron Islands are also fighting to have their respective territories secede from the realm and form their own independent kingdoms, but they do not claim the Iron Throne itself.

In the books

The full title used in the books is "King of the Andals, the Rhoynar and the First Men, Lord of the Seven Kingdoms and Protector of the Realm". Its probable that "the Rhoynar" was omitted in Season 1 for the sake of not confusing viewers who haven't read the books with too much information, because Dorne and the Rhoynar haven't been introduced yet.

See also