Kings and Queens are, essentially, SCA members who are really good at fighting. They reign for six months; hey, you can't let them be royalty too long, or it goes to their heads. :-) Rulers are determined by combat. One month after a King and Queen take the throne, they sponsor a "Crown Tournament", which attracts the best fighters in the kingdom. At the end of the tournament, the last fighter standing becomes the Crown Prince or Princess (yes, the ladies fight too, and some are really good!), and assumes the throne five months later. During the tournament, the contenders carry the "favor" of a loved one, and if they win, that loved one becomes the "consort", the Queen or King for that reign.  Rulers can reign any number of times, but cannot succeed themselves; they can't fight in their own Crown Tournament. After a reign, they are known as Count and Countess whoever, If they reign more than once, they become known as Duke and Duchess whoever, and would be addressed as "Your Grace".
During their reign, they have all the respect of any royalty; people bow to them, call them Your Majesty, and generally grovel in their presence. Don't worry, though; it's not a cult thing or anything like that; it's just part of the game. (and while you're bowing to the King in royal court, you know that his name is really Dave, he's a forklift mechanic, and in a couple of months he'll be back in the audience with you, bowing to the next rulers!)  An aside; at an event, if you see the king or queen, and they are NOT wearing their crown, it means that for the time being, they do not wish to be recognized as royalty, and they revert to MiLord or MiLady. Even in their royal role, we believe that the best ruler is the best servant, and it is not uncommon at events to see a King lugging a lady's gear for her, or  a Queen hanging banners in the feast hall.  It's all, after all, in fun!
Usually, a king and queen are "assassinated" somehow at their final Court, and the new ones are throned.  And no, we don't really kill them; one pair of rulers recently were "poisoned by Yankee food" at a feast. Another king and queen were "stoned to death by a group of young anarchists"; a group of 4 and 5  year-olds ran in and pelted them with ping-pong balls...
To be perfectly correct, just remember that if they are wearing some kind of coronet or crown, give them a respectful half-bow as you pass. Just courtesy...

Attending your first event?

Chances are that if you are attending your first event, you are being taken by an SCA member who will tell you all this anyway, but just for grins, here are some tips.  Remember, this is *not* a Renn Faire - there will be no hot dog vendors, and everyone there will be in medieval garb. An event strives to capture the atmosphere of a day or weekend at a medieval tournament.  It's an "atmosphere" thing...

1. Make a reasonable attempt at medieval garb. This is not as tough as it sounds; if you attending an event for the first time, any SCA member can offer advice, and many can loan you garb.

2. Act as ladies and gentlemen.  I can't give you the whole philosophy here, but in short, gentlemen and ladies are humble and respectful. Address others as M'Lord or M'Lady, and remain courteous. If you comport yourself as arrogant or boastful, or cop a "bad ass" attitude, or maliciously disrespect your lady, you may find yourself ejected. Ladies, remain worthy of honor - if you act like a peasant wench, don't be surprised if you are treated like one... And try to limit your discussion of mundane subjects; it blows the atmosphere to have a couple of guys in medieval garb, in a tournament audience, loudly discussing the Steelers game, or the balky transmission in the pickup.

3. If you have a question, simply ask - "Begging pardon M'Lord, what is the purpose of this?" will get you all the information you need.  SCA people were all "newbies" once, and they know that a lot of this is totally foreign to newcomers, and will gladly answer any question. However, do not touch something unless invited to do so; in particular, NEVER touch a fighter's armor or weapons - trust me on this.

4.  Try to "camoflauge" modern things. Eyeglasses are fine, but try to disguise other things. Cover your ice chest with a piece of cloth, and bring along a somewhat medieval-looking mug or stein. When you grab Gatorade from the ice chest, pour it into the mug - walking around with a can or styrofoam cup is bad form.  Most of the ladies will have a basket to act as a carryall, and many of the men will be carrying crude cloth or leather bags. These may contain anything from sunscreen to digital cameras, but they are covered. And you will never be yelled at for "violating" any of these things - if you are carrying a styrofoam cup, the worst that may happen is that someone will ask  you "Begging pardon M'Lord, may I help you find a mug for your drink?". A subtle hint that your foam cup ain't right. And they really will help you find one, or even loan you theirs...

6. Have Fun!  This is a hobby, and people are here to have fun. Join them in the fun; who knows - you may like it!
 

Things you will never remember, but they are fun to know:

Rank: At an event, watch for these folks, but you don't *have* to remember this stuff. Just address everyone as M'Lord or M'Lady, and you will be fine. Remember, don't be surprised, because the ranks here can apply to both men and women...

White belt, unadorned gold chain around the neck, possibly spurs: these are Knights. These folks are highly respected, and are not only skilled fighters, but have been awarded knighthood by the crown because they were so respected by their peers for their chivalry that they were recommended to the crown for knighthood. They are entitled to "Sir" or "Lady" before their name.

Red belt, silver neck chain: these are Squires, a kind of knight in training.

Keys around the neck or on a belt: a Senechal, or Head of Household. A group leader.

A 1/4 inch metal headband:  An Award of Arms, an award from the crown for service to the kingdom. Entitles one to "Lord" or "Lady" before their name.

A 1/2 inch metal headband: A Grant of Arms: An award from the crown for long and exceptional service to the kingdom, and grants one the privilege to bear arms in the presence of the royalty.  Entitles one to "The Honorable Lord" or "The Honorable Lady" before their name. They would be addressed as "Your Lordship" or "Your Ladyship".

A green belt, or a green laurel wreath on the head:  A Laurel of Arts; a master of some form of skill or medieval art.

A metal coronet on the head: This may represent several ranks. This person would be a Baron or Baroness, Duke or Duchess, or maybe even King or Queen. The King or Queen will usually be accompanied by an entourage, and would be addressed as "Your Majesty". The others would be addressed as "Your Excellency".