The first embassies were not permanent establishments but actual visits by high-ranking representatives, often close relatives, of the sovereign or even the sovereign in person.
en.wikipedia.org As permanent representations evolved, usually on a treaty basis between two powers, they were frequently staffed by relatives of the sovereign or high-ranking nobles.
en.wikipedia.org Heaven, thearch, sovereign, monarch, governor, lord: all are (words for) ruler.
en.wikipedia.org Complaints were also raised about the annual payment of 150,000 guilders to the sovereign, which weighed heavily on the state's budget.
en.wikipedia.org Either figure or a delegate may perform this task, and the constitution allows the viceroy the option of deferring assent to the sovereign.
en.wikipedia.org