What is the difference between real union, personal union and dynastic union?
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Personal union: two states share the same monarch, but their laws and institutions remain distinct. If the two states have different laws of succession, they could become separated again on the death of the monarch, e.g. the kingdoms of the UK and Hanover were in personal union until the death of William IV; Victoria became Queen of the UK but Hanoverian law forbade women from succeeding, so her uncle became King of Hanover and the two stopped being in personal union and became a…
Dynastic union: two states are ruled by the same dynasty, but not necessarily the same person (all personal unions are necessarily dynastic unions). E.g. after the UK and Hanover ceased being in personal union, they became a dynastic union.
Real union: like a personal union, but some institutions are shared between the two. Usually one of the states effectively dominates the other. The Kingdoms of Great Britain and Ireland were a real union until they were completely unified as the United Kingdom in 1800.
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