Portrayed by Emma D'Arcy (adult)

Milly Alcock (young)

Current Status: Alive

Age: 35

Date of Birth: 97 AC

Origin: King's Landing

Episode Appearances: 9

First Seen: ‘The Heirs of the Dragon’

Last Seen: ‘The Black Queen’

BACKGROUND

Rhaenyra Targaryen, cheered as the Realm's Delight, was born in 97 AC in the Westerosi capital of King’s Landing. She is the only living child of King Viserys I Targaryen and Queen Aemma Arryn. Rhaenyra had two brothers, both of whom died in the cradle. Rhaenyra became a dragonrider at the age of seven when she flew into the sky on the back of a young dragon, whom she named Syrax. A short time later, Rhaenyra eventually became a cupbearer for her father, serving him at the table, at tourneys and at court. From that point onward, King Viserys was seldom seen without Rhaenyra.

Rhaenyra has her family's Valyrian looks, wearing her silver-gold hair in a long braid in the manner of Queen Visenya Targaryen. Rhaenyra was a precocious child, bright and bold and beautiful. Rhaenyra always dresses richly, favoring purple and maroon velvets and golden Myrish lace in intricate patterns. Her bodice often glittered with pearls and diamonds, and there is always rings on her fingers. Whenever she is anxious, she is known to turn them compulsively around her fingers. Rhaenyra is proud and stubborn, and there is a certain petulance to her small mouth. Though she can be charming, Rhaenyra is quick to anger and never forgets a slight.

Rhaenrya has a close bond and friendship with Alicent Hightower, whose father Ser Otto acts as the Hand of the King to Viserys. As they have both grown up together around the royal court of the Red Keep, Rhaenyra and Alicent often lean on each other for support in a world where women serve the sole purpose of furthering the line of their house through childbirth.