Is Vegeta Still a Prince After the Destruction of Planet Vegeta?

In the Dragon Ball series, the demotion of Vegeta from prince to something else is a complex issue that has puzzled many fans. Despite the tragic destruction of his homeland and most of his people, Vegeta still retains the title of prince. This article delves into the intricacies of this topic, examining the legal and ceremonial aspects of his title, and the implications of a kingdom that no longer exists.

The Technological Aspect of Vegeta's Title

Vegeta is still technically a prince after the destruction of Planet Vegeta. This is because he is the son of King Vegeta, the former ruler of the Saiyan race. In the legal hierarchy of the Dragon Ball universe, titles such as 'prince' are often tied to lineage rather than the current state of a kingdom. Thus, even if the Saiyans are extinct, the title remains valid based on birthright.

Titles and Lineage in the Dragon Ball Universe

A king needs subjects to rule over to claim the title officially. In the case of the Saiyan race, after the destruction of Planet Vegeta, there are no subjects left. This makes any claim to the throne, whether as king or prince, essentially meaningless. The title of prince is secondary to the context of ruling a kingdom with subjects.

The Original DBZ Timeline

According to the original Dragon Ball (DBZ) timeline, the Saiyan race is extinct. Even if someone argues otherwise (such as the 'other' universe versions), within the primary timeline, the Saiyans are gone. Vegeta is thus a prince of a defunct realm, retaining the title based on his lineage but lacking the context that makes such titles meaningful.

Psychological and Arrogance Factors

VEGETA’S ARROGANCE AND PSYCHOLOGY: Despite the destruction of his home planet and most of his race, Vegeta has never updated his title to 'king.' This could be seen as an act of defiance or a refusal to accept defeat, traits that are typical of the Saiyan prince. His continued use of the title 'prince' could also be a form of psychological resistance, as he holds onto the last piece of his lost legacy.

Paragus and the Crown

Paragus, the late General of Vegeta's army, addressed Vegeta as 'king' for his own purposes. This instance further blurs the lines between 'prince' and 'king,' as it was more about establishing an alliance for revenge rather than an acknowledgment of Vegeta’s rightful claim.

Vegeta and Bulma's Interaction

The interaction between Vegeta and Bulma provides another layer of context. While Bulma occasionally contradicts Vegeta about his title, she does not dispute his lineage. This dynamic highlights the tension between official titles and personal titles, as seen in the fictional universe.

Conclusion: Vegeta the Prince of Nothing

In conclusion, in the context of the Dragon Ball series, Vegeta remains a prince because of his lineage and birthright. However, the title is rendered meaningless without a kingdom to rule. The prince of what remains a hypothetical concept, and as such, the title is more of a symbol of his past than a promise of a future realm.