the title emancipated very soon from the function that this expressed, and became a sign of belonging to one sex, so that several persons could lead under the same title at the same time. thus, the king of prussia introduced the title "prince of pyrmont" from 1868 to prince georg viktor. therefore, for the owner of the function, the title "ruling prince" was later formed in contrast to the pure title holder. but this too gradually faded, as is the case with the last "ruling prince of pyrmont", who in addition to church matters, had only the right to pardon.