Abdication

The Simple English Wiktionary has a definition for: abdication.

Abdication is the act of resigning from an office (official job), especially from being the leader of a country. The word is normally used for kings and queens who decide to give up their position which brings an end to a reign.^[1] The term is also used for popes.^[2]

A similar term for an elected or appointed official is resignation.

King Edward VIII of the United Kingdom is an example of a king who abdicated.^[3]

1. ↑ "Abdication," Encyclopædia Britannica (1911); retrieved 2013-2-11.
2. ↑ "Abdication," Catholic Encyclopedia; retrieved 2013-2-11.
3. ↑ "Edward VIII: Abdication timeline," BBC. 29 January 2003; retrieved 2013-2-11.